Farewell to the Bold Curator Who Put Connolly’s Banana Boots on Display

Dr Elspeth King, a renowned museum director and social historian, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Scotland's cultural landscape. Born in Lochore, Fife, into a mining family, Dr King excelled academically, earning first-class honours in medieval history from the University of St Andrews before pursuing museum studies at the University of Leicester. Her career began in 1974 when she joined the People's Palace in Glasgow as curator of social history, a role she held for 16 years. Dr King was known for making bold decisions, including the controversial choice to display Billy Connolly's iconic Banana Boots, designed by Glasgow pop artist Edmund Smith in 1975. The boots, which looked like peeled bananas, became a symbol of Glasgow's vibrant culture. However, some visitors objected, arguing that Connolly's comedic routines were too crude for a public museum. Dr King recalled receiving letters in the Daily Record criticizing the museum for featuring the boots and questioning whether Connolly's use of profanity was appropriate for such a space. Despite the controversy, Dr King stood by her decision, believing that museums should reflect the real lives and culture of the people they serve. During her time at the People's Palace, Dr King organized several notable exhibitions, including Michael Donnelly's Crucifixion sketch, which reimagined the Last Supper in a Glasgow pub. This exhibit also drew criticism for being offensive, but Dr King was committed to showcasing art that challenged and engaged the public. In 1977, she hired Alasdair Gray, a celebrated writer and artist, as the museum's 'artist-recorder. ' Gray documented Glasgow's streets and residents through paintings and drawings, capturing the city's unique spirit. Under Dr King's leadership, the People's Palace received significant recognition, winning European Museum of the Year in 1981 and British Museum of the Year in 1983. After leaving the People's Palace in 1990, Dr King became director of the Dunfermline Heritage Trust, where she played a key role in restoring Abbot House, the town's oldest secular building, as a heritage centre. She later led the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling from 1994 until her retirement in 2018. During her tenure, she navigated funding challenges and helped secure the museum's future through public support and campaigns. In 2005, Dr King was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Stirling in recognition of her contributions to Scottish museums and her efforts to promote the nation's history and culture. The Stirling museum paid tribute to Dr King, describing her as being at the heart of the institution for many years and expressing condolences to her husband Michael and her family. Dr King was also known for her research into the Scottish suffrage movement, highlighting the struggles and achievements of women fighting for the right to vote. Her dedication to preserving and sharing Scotland's history has left a lasting impact on the country's museums and cultural institutions. Dr Elspeth King's work ensured that Scottish heritage would be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.