Specialist Tour | The Secrets of Lacquer and Cinnabar
- Tickets
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Free
- Dates and times
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Tuesday 18th Aug 2026
2:30pm
- Age
- All ages
"Revealing the secrets of how exquisite lacquer works get their vibrant colours.
One of the key ingredients is Cinnabar, a bright red mineral, traditionally used for its vibrant pigment in art and ritual, symbolizing life and immortality, remarkably in China, Egypt, and Rome.
Carved lacquer, which is mainly red, is often known as ""cinnabar"" lacquer, a reference to the powdered mercury sulphide as the crucial colorant. This advanced technique involves carving built-up layers of thinly applied coats of lacquer tree resin mixed with grinded cinnabar into a three-dimensional design.
Join us on a journey of discovery as our Curator of East Asian Art Yupin Chung and Curator of Geology Ann Ainsworth lead an intriguing tour looking at a selection of superb lacquer objects and cinnabar to reveal the amazing art of lacquerware."
FREE but limited to 15 spaces. Book your place by emailing glmuseumsadminbookingshub@glasgowlife.org.uk with the name and date of the tour your would like to attend.
Image: Carved Lacquer Box 1907.21.I.1© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection
Accessibility guides
Read the accessibility guide for GMRC on AccessAble Glasgow Museums Resource Centre | AccessAble
Accessible toilets
Approximately 14m from the main entrance. Available during opening hours. No key required. Situated on the ground floor near reception and on tour routes around building.
Assistance dogs
Hearing loop
Hearing loop available within venue.
You can also visit our British Sign Language and International Sign Video Library here to watch a welcome video for every Glasgow Museum. Glasgow Museums Resource Centre BSL and International Sign video - Glasgow Life
Wheelchair access
There is wheelchair access to all public areas using the lifts.
Baby changing
Baby Changing is available on the ground floor near to reception.
Baby feeding
Cloakroom
Free lockers available to visitors.
Parking
Free car parking is available on site, including 5 designated accessible bays.
Photography and video recording
Free wifi
Location Map
View Glasgow Museums Resource Centre (GMRC) on Google Maps.
Use Traveline Scotland to plan your trip
By Train
GMRC is a short walk from Nitshill train station, and can be reached by turning right onto Nitshill Road and walking under the bridge towards Wiltonburn Road on your right. Turn right again onto Woodhead Road. Trains run regularly between Nitshill and Glasgow Central train station.
By Bus
First Bus service 57 stops near the venue.
GMRC has achieved a Silver Award from Visit Scotland's Green Tourism scheme.
For more information and to download our Environmental & Social Responsibility Policy, click here.
To download our Visitor Charter for 2025, click here.