Heriot Watt University - �128,670
Partners: Glasgow School of Art, University of Glasgow Archive Service, University of Dundee Archives, Paisley Museum Service and Scottish Borders Council.
The aims of this project were twofold. To bring educational, access and conservation benefits to Scotland�s textile collections, and to review strategic collecting practises in relation to textiles collections, all through the development of new partnerships and curatorial networks.
This project is now nearing completion and as a key output has created for the first time a web based searchable database of Scottish textiles collections, housed in museums, archives and galleries. The site gives access to approximately 3,000 records, as well as over 400 high quality images, an on-line resources section with essays on a wide range of textile-related subjects, and maps to plot textile related collections and industrial sites across Scotland. Not only has the web site benefited Collections Managers, in publicising where collections are housed and who holds collections expertise, but it is has also provided Textile Design students with an invaluable learning source.
To view the project website please click on the following link
A further outcome of the project has been the bringing together of Collections Managers to acknowledge, discuss and find solutions to some of the fundamental issues relating to collecting. A seminar has already been held to identify what the key issues might be, and a focus group meeting is planned to suggest the creation of networks and strategic guidelines for good practice, to inform the work of textile curators across the museums sector. In the final stages of the project consideration is also being given as to how the website can be maintained and added to in the longer term to ensure it remains a useful and relevant resource.
Contact: Ms Ann Jones, University Archivist, Heriot Watt University
Tel: 0131 451 3219
Last updated 10/08/05
