During the clearing of the former site of Lauries of Dundee, Blackness Nursery, an iconic sign from the family business of nurserymen and landscape gardeners has been discovered and will now be donated to The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum.
The site, situated on the south side of Perth Road, opposite its junction with Invergowrie Drive and Hazel Avenue, has been empty for a number of years. SimplyUK is currently developing a Care Home on it for their operating arm Morar UK.
SimplyUK has kindly agreed for the sign to be donated to The McManus: Dundee’s Museum and Art Gallery, which is managed by Leisure & Culture Dundee, where it will become part of the museum’s official collection.
James Laurie & Son, as they came to be known, were a well-respected family firm, founded by James Laurie in 1860. Advertising in the 1920s, they offered their services in the making of tennis courts, bowling greens, rock gardens, Japanese wall, Dutch, Old English and water gardens.
The highly regarded nursery, known locally and across Scotland, were responsible for some of the area's more impressive landscaped gardens both on private and public properties. The family firm continued at the site until the company dissolved in 2001.
On site Neil Dobbie, Land Director on behalf of SimplyUk hands over the sign to Social History Curator, Julie McCombie and Conservator Rebecca Jackson- Hunt. Alongside Dundee Civic Trust, Secretary Hugh Macrae who has kindly helped with organising of the donation.
Neil commented “We’re delighted to assist Leisure & Culture Dundee and the Civic Trust with the donation of the sign and trust it will prove to be an interesting addition to the Museum collection for many years to come”.
From L-R Neil Dobbie, Land Director, Simply UK, Julie McCombie, Curator (Social History) and Rebecca Jackson-Hunt, Conservator from The McManus, Hugh Macrae, Dundee Civic Trust Secretary.