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Welcome!
SMC AGM 2006
SMC Responds to the Scottish Executive�s Draft Culture Bill
Journeys from Scotland to America
Tartan Week � Members� Perspectives
Abolition of the UK Slave Trade - 200 Years
Show Scotland 07
Highland 2007
�Inverness ReViewed�. Cultural Coordinator Project
Regional Development Challenge Fund Project Update
Focus on: Perth Museum and Art Gallery
Muirton: Photographs of Change
Gulbenkian Prize for Museums and Galleries
Dunfermline Opens its �Gateway� to Heritage
Encouraging Teachers to get �Hands On� with Museum Objects
Accreditation Update
Hello, and welcome to the first edition of MG:Q of the new year. This edition contains the report on our last AGM at the Tall Ship in Glasgow and our response to the Scottish Executive�s Draft Culture Bill, as well a particular focus on external programmes and events.
These include Tartan Week 07, Show Scotland 07, Highland 2007 and the bicentenary of the Abolition of the UK Slave Trade. In order to underline these national and international programmes we have showcased some of the many and varied projects and events our member museums and galleries have undertaken as part of these initiatives and have highlighted the strategic partnerships that both SMC and our members have forged in planning for these and future events.
At the time of going to print, our second Show Scotland museums and galleries big events weekend is in the final stages of planning. Scotland�s museums and galleries have yet again displayed creativity and imagination in coming up with some entertaining and unusual events with which to attract new visitors. You can see a selection of these on pages 12 & 13, or for a full list, visit www.showscotland.com
We would also like to congratulate both Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the RDCF Scotland and Medicine project which were both long-listed for the Gulbenkian prize. The refurbishment of Kelvingrove and the Anatomy Acts exhibition were both picked as being exceptional examples of museum projects and to secure a place on this list of only 10 museums was a real achievement. The final four on the short list have now been announced; Kelvingrove among them, so we would like to wish all involved the best of luck on 24 May.
Finally, also in this issue, we highlight the process of Accreditation and hear from our first Associate member to achieve the standard, the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, on how they successfully got through the process.
We do hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, we would welcome any feedback, or indeed story ideas for future editions. The next edition will be concentrating on learning, so those of you with case studies to contribute, I�d love to hear from you.
Sarah Burry-Hayes
Editor
29 November, The Tall Ship, Glasgow Harbour
Around 40 members of SMC gathered aboard the SS Glenlee for our 2006 AGM, kindly hosted by The Tall Ship.
Following a welcome from SMC Chair Dr Graeme Roberts, the first item on the agenda was the formal business of the AGM. The main items of business were: the appointment of Lynne Halfpenny, Head of Museums and Arts at City of Edinburgh Council, to the SMC Board; the retirement of Nat Edwards, Pat Buchanan and Susan Jeffrey from the SMC Board; and an amendment to SMC�s Memorandum and Articles of Association to allow for a new category of membership for national organisations.
Presentations by members followed including Cait McCullagh on the development of Comann Eachdraigh Lios Mor, and Molly Duckett (Grantown Museum) and Brian Kelly (Dundee Heritage Trust) who shared their positive experiences of Show Scotland 2006.
After lunch, members reconvened to examine SMC�s corporate values and branding. Anne Pia, Director of People + Business, facilitated the afternoon.
SMC�s staff have recently been examining the organisations vision, mission and aims with a view to redefining its values and supporting future development. From these discussions, draft values had been drawn up.
These values were presented to members who were then split into five discussion groups and asked to consider and feed back on three questions:
Members gave constructive and interesting feedback on each of the questions, including suggestions for further values, cases for and against SMC�s current name and a general consensus that SMC should re-visit its branding and logo.
The discussions gave a great foundation on which to explore the future direction of SMC, and thanks to all those members who fed in to this process both on the day and afterwards.
The AGM was rounded off with a visit to Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery where Glasgow City Council Head of Museums and Galleries Mark O�Neill welcomed members before they explored the extensive refurbishment and internal redevelopment of the museum.
Thanks to all of those at The Tall Ship and Kelvingrove for making the day so enjoyable.
Quotes from members:
�As a new member it was useful to meet people and get to know the organisation.�
�Very enjoyable day. Not at all boring or stuffy like many AGMs.�
The Scottish Executive published the Draft Culture (Scotland) Bill and Guidance for public consultation late in December 2006 and Scotland�s cultural organisations were invited to respond by 31 March 2007.
The bill is a result of Jack McConnell�s famous St Andrews Day speech of 2003 highlighting culture; the Cultural Commission report of 2005; and the Scottish Executive�s �Scotland�s Culture� document, released in January 2006.
The draft covered key cultural issues such as the formation of Creative Scotland; a review of the legislation governing the national museums and art galleries; and legislation surrounding the dealing in �tainted objects�.
Reference is also made within the document to a new Quality Assurance Framework which cultural services will be required to adhere to. SMC is leading on the development of the museums sector QAF.
As a membership organisation and Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB), SMC is not covered by the legislation. However, SMC is identified in the guidance as providing leadership to the non national museums sector and leading on the museums QAF. The Significance Scheme is also referred to in the document.
SMC held a consultation day with members on 1 March which informed our response to the bill. This was well attended by colleagues from our membership, as well as National Museums Scotland who attended as observers. Attendees had the opportunity to hear speakers from the Scottish Executive who have been involved in developing the bill and the guidance.
SMC�s full response to the Draft Bill and Guidance can be viewed on the SMC website (www.scottishmuseums.org.uk).
For more information contact Susan Jeffrey, Planning and Partnership Development Manager, on [email protected]
Written by Carl Watt, Head of External Relations, SMC
This year SMC and three of our members ventured on a journey to Tartan Week to explore the development of new partnerships between Scotland and America�s museums, galleries and other cultural organisations.
Journeys from Scotland to America, funded by the Scottish Executive and managed by SMC in partnership with Scottish Screen enabled three of our member museums and an innovative music and film archive collaboration to present four unique public events at the New York Historical Society as part of Tartan Week 2007.
David Lockwood representing the John Paul Jones Cottage Museum, Jo Moulin, Manager of John Muir�s Birthplace and Robert Wallace from the Museum of Piping developed events which highlighted the impact Scotland�s culture and people have had on the development of America and promoted the shared cultural resources that are in existence today.
Investment in Tartan Week has created new relationships with leading American cultural organisations and Scottish Diaspora Associations, some of whom are already looking into future collaborative working opportunities.
�The events were a major part of the Tartan Week programme and really helped to raise the profile of Scotland�s museums and galleries on an international scale.�
- Joanne Orr, CEO of SMC
On Tuesday 3 April prior to the launch of the events programme, SMC also coordinated a gathering of American and Scottish museums, library and archives professionals on Ellis Island to explore how Scotland and America�s shared heritage resources could be presented within a unique online environment. Representatives from major US cultural organisations such as New York Public Libraries, Ellis Island, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), met with the National Libraries of Scotland, National Archives of Scotland, John Paul Jones Cottage Museum and SMC to discuss the development of the Scottish Emigration Museum project. This project, chaired by SMC in partnership with the National Archives of Scotland, National Museums Scotland and National Library of Scotland aims to provide the global community with access to a unique, authoritative online collection of Scots-American migration-related resources.
That evening a launch reception was held at the New York Historical Society for over 70 dignitaries from New York, the cultural sector and Scottish Diaspora.
Over the next three nights, the events staged by SMC�s members and The Island Tapes event presented by Scottish Screen (our partner on this journey) attracted enthusiastic audiences and extensive media attention on both sides of the Atlantic. This included a double page spread in the Scotsman and a one hour interview on Irish Radio in New York.
SMC�s CEO Joanne Orr introduced each of the events, which were each followed by a very lively question and answer session. Here is a summary of the member museum events:
John Paul Jones � America�s Hero, Scotland�s Pirate
John Paul Jones is the United States� most famous naval hero but only a few Americans will be aware that he was actually born in Dumfries and had many early adventures in Scotland that helped direct his path in life. This event offered the audience a rare opportunity to learn more about his exciting past, complete with electrifying boyhood tales and was delivered by David Lockwood in collaboration with the Head of US Navy Underwater Archaeology Dr Bob Newland.
John Muir � The Original �Wild Child� and his Legacy
John Muir was born in Dunbar and is best known for his pioneering work in the field of conservation and the establishment of the world�s first national park system. The event told of Muir�s boyhood in Scotland, his emigration experiences, and the influences that shaped the �Wild Muir�.
For this event Jo Moulin shared the stage with Michael Reynolds, a US National Park Superintendent at Fire Island National Seashore.
The Museum of Piping � Over the Isles to America
Robert Wallace narrated the story of pipers who left Scotland over the centuries to find a new life in the United States. The emotive stories of their reasons for leaving and what became of them when they settled in the �Land of Opportunity� was illustrated with tunes composed by or associated with Scottish immigrants.
�The events really grabbed the imagination of those who attended�, commented Joanne Orr.
�In addition, the press coverage gained, both at home and in the US, was exceptional and further reinforced the importance of Scotland�s museums and galleries in the nations� identities.�
A full evaluation including audience feedback on the events is being undertaken and a report will be published shortly.
Before setting off for Tartan Week, two of SMC�s members who took part shared their aspirations, experiences, and views of the event.
Jo Moulin, Manager, John Muir�s Birthplace
Event: The Original �Wild� Child and his Legacy
Why did you get involved with Tartan Week?
The theme �Emigration Experience� ties in perfectly with the work of John Muir�s Birthplace to continue the legacy of one of Scotland�s famous sons. John Muir was born in Dunbar, East Lothian in 1838, but emigrated to America with his family just before his eleventh birthday. He is remembered today as the father of the National Parks movement and a pioneer of nature conservation.
What challenges have you faced?
As a small organisation with limited resources and no admin support it has been a challenge to prepare the event in such a short time frame. However, these challenges are offset by the many benefits.
How do you feel your organisation will benefit from involvement?
It�s fantastic to have the opportunity to include a John Muir event at Tartan Week under the John Muir�s Birthplace banner, and therefore raise the organisation�s US profile. We have previously contributed to a John Muir exhibition delivered by Clan Currie, but this is the first time we will have a member of staff out in New York for the events. Participation has also helped develop new skills and make new US contacts. I have produced a lecture with someone from the US National Park Service that I have yet to meet face to face, which has been a real learning curve. I�m also making the most of my time in the US by travelling to Wisconsin (the first place Muir�s family moved to when they arrived in America) to network and develop new partnerships with organisations there. We are also using the opportunity to deliver another lecture at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park around the photography project �Famous Scots� � a series of images inspired by the works of John Muir.
Are there any other aspects of your experience so far you would feel it was useful to share with the wider sector?
It has been really interesting developing a lecture and to make it as engaging as possible. I have included audio elements such as a traditional ballad from the Muir family, and Muir quotes (read by a local for authenticity) as part of the lecture to give maximum impact and interest.
Jeannie Campbell, Curator, The Museum of Piping
Event: �Over the Isles to America�
Why did you get involved with Tartan Week?
We thought about the number of pipers who had left Scotland over the years and the influences they have had on the places they have settled. There is no doubt that there is a great and rapidly growing interest in the bagpipe and pipe bands in the USA and this must be due to the Scots emigrants and their present day descendants. We therefore felt it was a great opportunity for the museum to be a part of the event.
What challenges have you faced?
As well as the timing elements of getting things organised for the event, we are having trouble deciding what not to include! After a trawl through our archives we noted several interesting characters and stories from the last three hundred years which could be included in a possible talk on emigrant pipers, but with only a limited time in which to give the talk, we have to be selective about what we include!
How do you feel your organisation will benefit from involvement?
The obvious would be raising the awareness of the bagpipes and piping in the US. In addition, we hope the talk will encourage those attending, and those they speak to about the talk, to pursue an interest in Scottish history and culture. Perhaps this will prompt visits to Scotland, in which case we hope they will take time to visit our museum.
Are there any other aspects of your experience so far you would feel it was useful to share with the wider sector?
It�s amazing how much information we found by simply looking through the archives of the museum. The information we came up with from this initial look gave us enough material to fill several talks on Scots emigrants!
On his return from Tartan Week, David Lockwood, Museums Manager for Dumfries and Galloway Council and Acting Secretary for the John Paul Jones Birthplace Museum Trust, shared his views on the same questions.
Why did you get involved with Tartan Week?
Our intention was to raise the profile of John Paul Jones Birthplace Cottage and promote the South West of Scotland as a holiday destination for Americans. We also wished to highlight the heritage and natural beauty of our region. The lecture also allowed us the opportunity to showcase Jones�s contemporary Robert Burns who of course lived and worked in Dumfries. We wish to play an active part in �2009 The Homecoming� and Americans are a main part of the target market for this.
What challenges have you faced?
We were spoilt for choice for American partner speakers � so that was easy. The main challenge was to estimate the knowledge level of the potential audience and predict what they would like to listen to. From the reception we received it was clear that the content was much appreciated. Generally everything went very smoothly.
How do you feel your organisation will benefit from involvement?
The Trust runs on a shoestring budget and we hope that the visit will allow us to make contacts which might bring some funding from the USA.
Are there any other aspects of your experience so far you would feel it was useful to share with the wider sector?
That Americans are genuinely interested in Scotland and Scottish culture.
Written by Catriona Murray, External Programmes Manager, SMC
2007 sees the 200th anniversary of the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, with commemorative events and activities taking place throughout the UK.
The 1807 Act outlawed the slave trade throughout the British Empire and made it illegal for British ships to be involved in the trade, marking the beginning of the end for the transatlantic traffic in human beings. It was not, however, until the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1838 that this was finally achieved. 25 March marked the bicentenary of the act itself, and 23 August will see the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Scotland played a distinctive role in the slave trade and its abolition, and in recognition of this a range of programmes and events are taking place throughout 2007 and beyond. Museums and galleries around Scotland are playing an important role in many of these activities, helping to commemorate the end of this horrific chapter in history, as well as exploring contemporary resonances.
Events
Museum and gallery events taking place include:
Aberdeen
�Kidnapped� at the Tolbooth Museum: a lively re-enactment of a hidden piece of history in Aberdeen, where magistrates kidnapped children and sold them off as indentured servants in America.
�Indian Peter Storytelling�, at Aberdeen Maritime Museum: storytelling sessions exploring the tale of Peter Williamson, a boy from Aberdeen who was kidnapped and sold as an indentured slave. There will also be a re-enactment of his story at the Tolbooth Museum.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh City Council hopes to run the following events:
�It didn�t happen here: Edinburgh�s link with the Transatlantic Slave Trade� at the Museum of Edinburgh: this exhibition plans to explore the relatively unknown history of Edinburgh�s involvement in the slave trade.
Erection of a plaque in memory of Eliza Whigham: the Council is investigating erecting a plaque dedicated to this Edinburgh-based Abolitionist, who campaigned to raise funds for Harriet Tubman who worked to abolish the slave trade in the U.S.
Glasgow
�Downpressor� at the Gallery of Modern Art: based on research undertaken by artist Graham Fagen in Jamaica, exploring the cultural heritages of Scotland and Jamaica against the background of Scotland�s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
�The Glassford Family Portrait � A Hidden Legacy� at the People�s Palace and Winter Gardens: considering this famous portrait, and working to re-instate the black figure in it. Visitors will be able to watch Glasgow Museum�s conservators restoring the painting at Kelvingrove prior to the exhibition launch in August.
�Voices from Africa� at the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art: in two parts, this project will work with Glasgow�s African communities to highlight African heritage in Scotland and produce a new exhibition exploring their experiences of life in 21st century Scotland, as well as re-interpreting many of the objects in the museum�s collection.
�A Hidden Legacy� at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: a series of talks and lectures exploring Glasgow's involvement in the Slave Trade and its abolition.
�Mind-forg'd Manacles: William Blake and Slavery� at the Burrell Collection: an exhibition that explores how ideas of slavery and freedom influenced William Blake's writing and art, and his contribution to the abolition movement. This exhibition is drawn from the British Museum collection.
Further information
These events are just a small selection of those taking place throughout Scotland � for a fuller picture go to the Scottish Executive�s www.onescotland.com website. The Scottish Executive has also produced a useful learning guide on Scotland�s role in the slave trade and its subsequent abolition, entitled Scotland and the Slave Trade: 2007 Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which is available in hard copy or can be downloaded from the publications section of the Executive website.
To find out more about events in Aberdeen call WhiteSpace on 01224 523640.
For museum and gallery enquiries, please contact Catriona on 0131 550 4142 or [email protected]
At time of going to print, Show Scotland 07 was in the final throes of planning, ready for the events taking place over the bank holiday weekend 4-7 May.
This year the museums and galleries have yet again broken the mould and are staging some truly exciting and unusual events to attract audiences to Show Scotland 07.
In addition, we urged all our member museums in the Highlands and Islands to run events as part of Highland 2007 � the Year of Highland Culture.
www.showscotland.com
The eagerly awaited Show Scotland 07 website �went live� on 27 March, showcasing a packed programme of events taking place as part of the weekend.
The website is colourful and user-friendly and provides details on the full weekend of creative events taking place across Scotland.
It is a one-stop-shop for those wishing to find out what�s going on in their area over the weekend and users can search by location, date or by the venue name. Full details of events, timings and booking information can be found on the site.
Supporters
Many of our supporters from last year have continued their association with Show Scotland by lending their services to us for this year�s event.
Lightmaker, our web partner, has redesigned the website to make it even more engaging and user friendly than last year.
Bell Graphic our design partner, has done a wonderful job in re-designing the logo and associated marketing materials for this year�s event.
EAE our distribution partner has distributed over 175,000 leaflets and 4,000 posters throughout Scotland advertising the event.
VisitScotland is also helping with nationwide distribution through their Tourist Information Centres Scotland-wide.
Sunday Herald our media partner from last year, has confirmed renewed involvement for this year. A supplement will be appearing on the weekend of 22 April.
Finally, Scottish & Newcastle, a new supporter for this year, has kindly gifted a charitable donation of �5,000 towards events development of the weekend.
Thanks to all our supporters whose help has been invaluable in staging this year�s event.
Showing you the Money!!
SMC yet again offered its members grants to help them with the associated costs of planning, staging and running their events. This year, grants awarded totalled almost �32,000 and were given in two �rounds� to 32 participants.
Museums could apply for grant funding to cover up to 75% of their event cost and up to �1,500 in total.
Friday Night is Late Night
As last year, Friday 4 May will be �Late Opening Night� for Show Scotland 07, with museums opening their venues late and staging a range of events. Further details of all events can be found on the Show Scotland website at www.showscotland.com
Events showcase
Here are a selection of events that will be taking place around the country over the Show Scotland weekend.
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Ness
�S ann leinn fh�in a tha e! (It is Ours!), 4, 5, 6 & 7 May
A weekend celebrating the community buy out of the Galson Estate.
Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore
Enchanted Storywalk, 5 & 6 May
An event inspired by the folk tales that were once part of Highland life.
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, Stirling
Meet the Argylls, 4, 5 & 7 May
A chance to meet the soldiers, a piper and the regiment�s mascot Shetland pony, Cruachan.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
A Scottish Night at the Museum, 4 May
A magical night of Scottish music, drama and dance in the museum.
Pollok House, Glasgow
Mad Hatter�s Tea Party, 6 May
Wear your best (and nuttiest!) hat to afternoon tea in the Edwardian dining room.
Low Parks Museum, Hamilton
Oh My Poor Nerves! Health & Hypochondria
in the Age of Jane Austen, 4 May
A fascinating insight into real and imaginary maladies from days gone by.
Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine
Castaway! 5 & 6 May
How are your raft building skills? See if you can escape from a desert island.
Kirbuster Museum, Orkney
Thord�s Day, 6 May
Events based around a recent publication, Thord�s Story, set in Kirbuster.
St Duthus Collegiate Church, Tain
Pipes and Fiddles: A Musical Tradition, 4 May
An evening celebrating the depth of musical talent in Tain and District.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen
Deep Sea World, 5 & 6 May
A chance to come face to face with all kinds of underwater creatures!
The Retreat, Glenesk
Lost Villages of Glenesk, 6 May
Explore the abandoned and ruined village of Dalforth in Glenesk.
Discovery Point, Dundee
Setting Sail, 7 May
A day of family activities on board the famous RRS Discovery.
Surgeon�s Hall Museum, Edinburgh
The Real Sherlock Holmes Weekend, 4, 5, 6 & 7 May
Discover more about the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Edinburgh.
City Art Centre, Edinburgh
Gala Evening, 4 May
Enjoy a glass of wine and some live music at this late night event.
Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston
The Great Sausage Exposition, 6 May
A light-hearted afternoon of family fun celebrating traditional local foods.
For a full list of museums and galleries events, go to www.showscotland.com
In 2003 at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Elgin, First Minister Jack McConnell announced plans for Highland 2007, which aims to both attract people to the region from the UK and abroad and raise awareness and pride within the region.
The Highlands and Islands region consists of Argyll & Bute, Moray, Orkney, Outer Hebrides and Shetland.
Highland 2007, or the Year of Highland Culture, is an opportunity to celebrate culture in the Highlands and Islands � past, present and future.
In order to ensure every aspect of Highland culture is included in the celebrations, the term �culture� has been split into six strands: arts, heritage, language, the environment, science and sport.
A number of funding streams were made available to those wishing to take part in the celebration and the result has been a year packed with planned events, capital project plans and festivals all celebrating life in the Highlands and Islands.
One of those to benefit from the capital funding is Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which re-opened after extensive refurbishment in January. Here Catharine Niven, Curator of the Museum, gives an idea of how the refurbishment has affected the way the museum operates.
For further information about Highland 2007�s busy calendar of events, visit www.highland2007.com
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Refurbishment
Written by Catharine Niven, Curator, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Following major improvements, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery was reopened in January this year to celebrate, and funded by, Highland 2007. The galleries have been completely redesigned to tell the story of the Highlands and present the museum�s magnificent collections in a new and fresh way.
Inverness�s first museum was opened in 1826 by the Northern Institute for the Promotion of Science and Literature. Its collections were inherited by the current museum which was founded in 1880, and cover geology, natural history and archaeology and the history of the Highlands.
The redesigned interior puts the museum�s unique collection of Pictish art and Highland wildlife and geology on the ground floor, all completely redisplayed. Upstairs the Jacobites feature strongly, along with the more recent history of Inverness and the Highlands.
The new layout, graphics and display cases have allowed us to increase both the range of subjects covered and the number of objects on display. The refurbishment includes a new glass-fronted entrance, with a platform lift to the ground and first floor enabling those with increased access requirements to travel around the museum freely. The visitor facilities are new too, with a new caf�, museum shop and toilets.
The Art Gallery will continue to be used for temporary exhibitions, with an ever-changing programme. The first of these exhibitions was �Fonn�s Duthchas: Land and Legacy�, a look at the Highlands and Islands today and a celebration of Highland 2007 using iconic objects from the collections of the three national institutions � the National Museums Scotland, National Libraries of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland.
There are also spaces for community groups to put on their own exhibitions and we run a programme of lunchtime talks, recitals, and activities for children and adults.
The museum is open Monday � Saturday (10am to 5pm). For more information, please visit our website at www.invernessmuseum.com
Written by Adrian Clark, Arts Officer, Highland Council
The first community exhibition in the newly refurbished Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which ran in February this year, was inspired by one of the museum�s prize possessions � The View of Inverness painted by JMW Turner in 1833.
Young people from Inverness High School worked with digital artist John MacNaught and writer Mick Parkin to produce their own images and poems about Inverness which reflect Turner�s style and subject matter.
The View of Inverness, which was on its short annual display at the time of the ReViewed exhibition, shows the activity on the banks of the Ness as well as the old bridge and church spires beyond, bathed in a mystical light.
Both John and Mick�s approaches to the project were innovative and sparked the interest of the young people involved. Mick encouraged students to create loads of writing and once they had something in front of them, to analyse and structure it. The approach resulted in some highly imaginative poems which took the painting as a starting point.
John�s approach was to discuss what the elements of Inverness would be used in the images and how the pictures would be produced. The students were then sent out with digital cameras to record their chosen images before work transferred to the Highland Print Studio where the images could be manipulated using computer software and studio techniques. The pictures were then re-sized to the dimensions of the Turner resulting in images which captured the modern Inverness, but with a romanticised, atmospheric �Turneresque� feel. The poems were beautifully typeset and framed to match the student�s pictures.
The project was supported by SMC and the Scottish Book Trust through the Highland Council�s Cultural Coordinator programme. All of those involved, the pupils, school, artist and writer and the museum, gave very positive feedback about the project. It even prompted visits to the museum by teenage boys � a new audience indeed!
The exhibition will now be on long-term display at Inverness High School.
West of Scotland Museums and Heritage Partnership
Written by Martin Bellamy, Research Manager, Glasgow City Council
The West of Scotland Museums and Heritage Partnership is tapping into a growing interest in local history.
As we can see from TV programmes such as Time Team or the BBC history website, there is a growing interest in local history and archaeology. For museums this is extremely welcome but it does pose some challenges, especially as people increasingly expect information instantly and easily.
To meet this demand WoSMHP has developed a project, funded by the RDCF, to gather together information on all local history resources. The first job is to compile a list of all museum, library and archive collections in each of the partner local authorities. For the first time in the UK we are looking at both the local history and archaeology of an area. People will then be able to find details of all the resources relating to an area�s history in one place.
The joy of working over such a wide partnership area is that we can build up a strong regional picture of our history and highlight collections that might not otherwise have been found. Boundary changes and the random way in which some collections have been built up mean that material relating to one area frequently turns up somewhere completely different. This project will ensure that local historians will be able to track these things down.
Co-operation with local and national partners has been vital in developing this project. We have been working closely with libraries, archives, academics and local history societies as well as Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments. The amount of support and co-operation has been tremendous.
At the end of the project we will not only have a listing of all local resources but also a strategy for their future management and a framework for new research. This project is just the beginning of an exciting period for local history in the West of Scotland.
The West of Scotland Museums and Heritage Partnership was formed in 2003. It consists of representatives from Glasgow Museums, Renfrewshire Museums, East Renfrewshire Council, North Lanarkshire Museums, South Lanarkshire Museums, East Dunbartonshire Museums, West Dunbartonshire Museums, and Inverclyde Museums.
This project is just the first of what we hope will be many successful projects to be undertaken by WoSMHP. We are now looking at possible collaboration on collection storage and a touring exhibition.
Suits You Sir!
Written by Susan Payne, Principal Officer Human History, Perth Museum and Art Gallery
Perth Museum and Art Gallery�s latest exhibition, �A Stitch in Time�, aims to bring to life the story of a remarkable garment � a man�s 17th century doublet. The slashed cream silk garment is one of the best preserved examples in the UK and even the V&A Museum has described it as wonderful. It is quite rightly attracting attention from around the world.
The doublet was donated to the museum in 2003 by the descendants of a resident of Perthshire, who believed it was given to their family around the time of the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 � however the style of the doublet was older, dating from 1620.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund we were able to carry out the whole project of conservation, documentation, research, exhibition and interpretation. This involved a lot of contact with parties locally and nationally, and even in Stockholm where a wardrobe of the same period is preserved.
We commissioned a costumier to produce two faithful copies of the doublet, even using the same weight of silk as the original, and a replica pair of breeches from the V&A Museum. One suit is on show, giving the full impact of how it would have looked when new, and the other visitors can try on. In the planning of the exhibition we used a toile � an accurate copy of the doublet in cheap calico � which meant we only had to handle the original twice in the whole process.
The display tells the story of the doublet � its wearer had a 37� chest, was right handed and very wealthy � and also looks at what was happening in Perthshire at the beginning of the 17th century. We also held a �Dressed to Kill� free activity day for families involving activities related to the time period.
Since the opening we have hosted visits by students and special groups and I already have evening and weekend talks booked in. Two dissertations are also being produced about the doublet, and once the exhibition ends, the talks and demonstrations will continue thanks to the replicas and the work put in by the museum team.
If you haven�t seen the doublet yet, it is well worth making the effort to visit Perth Museum. We�re open Monday to Saturday 10 � 5, and admission is free.
Written by Robin Rodger, Heritage Manager, Perth & Kinross Council
January 2006 saw the opening of the Muirton: Photographs of Change exhibition at Perth Museum and Art Gallery
The exhibition, which ran for 11 weeks, was based upon photographs of the Muirton Estate, one of Perth�s major pre-war estates which is currently undergoing a huge redevelopment. The exhibition aimed to capture a cityscape which will soon only be a memory as the bulldozers move in and new houses replace the old tenements.
The exhibition included over 80 black and white and colour images, over half taken by local residents who were given disposable cameras to enable them to contribute. The other photographs were taken by the museum�s in-house photographer who was, in part, guided by suggestions made by the residents. These photographs now form part of the extensive photographic collection at Perth.
Although only a few residents were involved, they included all ages from secondary pupils to pensioners. In order to get the project off the ground, residents were invited to meetings to discuss the exhibition, and to look at, discuss and select the images to include once the cameras had been returned and processed.
The exhibition was led by the Council�s Heritage Service and involved the Community Capacity, Lifelong Learning and Arts Development teams. The Council�s writer-in-residence also worked with residents past and present whose poems and short stories were also included in the exhibition.
Muirton: Photographs of Change was a challenging project.
The �community�, although geographically defined, did not really exist and more cameras were given out than came back. However, by the time the exhibition opened things were different. For the first time in ages people felt a sense of community. New audiences came to the museum and residents had gained new skills having had practical experience of photography, reminiscence and writing. The project was also singled out for a special mention in an HMIE inspection of the North Perth area.
The outcomes of the exhibition certainly made all the effort put in by both the council staff and the local residents worthwhile and will act as a lasting legacy of the Muirton Estate.
Two of SMC�s member organisations were celebrating when the long-list for the 2007 Gulbenkian Prize for museums and galleries was announced on 2 February this year.
Both Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum New Century Project and the Scotland & Medicine: Collections & Connections project that created the Anatomy Acts touring exhibition were amongst the long listed hopefuls.
Scotland & Medicine: Collections & Connections, a partnership led by Surgeons� Hall Museum in Edinburgh, was long listed for promoting Scotland�s rare and extraordinary medical collections to new audiences. The partnership is supported through the Regional Development Challenge Fund, funded by the Scottish Executive and administered by the Scottish Museums Council. The fund aims to encourage collaboration between museums of all types and other related agencies at regional level.
Kelvingrove was chosen for their New Century Project � a �28m project to restore and re-display Glasgow�s magnificent civic art gallery and museum, creating a universal space for the 21st century.
The Gulbenkian Prize for museums and galleries is given annually to one museum or gallery anywhere in the UK, and is open to a wide range of projects, both large and small.
On 4 April, the four short-listed museums for the 2007 prize were announced, and to all involved�s delight, Kelvingrove is amongst the lucky projects to be picked. The overall winner will be announced on Thursday 24 May at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.
Congratulations to all of those involved in both projects for this terrific achievement and we wish the Kelvingrove team the best of luck on the 24 May.
The Anatomy Acts exhibition will be visiting its final destination, Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, from 26 May � 30 June 2007. For further information about the exhibition or Scotland & Medicine, please contact Siobhan McConnachie on 0131 527 1633 or visit www.scotlandandmedicine.com
For further information on Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, please visit www.glasgowmuseums.com
For more information on the Gulbenkian Prize, including the full long and short lists, visit www.thegulbenkianprize.org.uk
Written by Nora Rundell, Chief Executive, Carnegie Dunfermline & Hero Fund Trusts
The history of Dunfermline is frequently summarised as being founded on �Monarchs, Monks and Manufacturing�, with tangible evidence of all three within close proximity of each other. The Abbey, the Palace, Abbot House and the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum provide a dramatic and enjoyable insight in to this rich history.
However, history is not static. Over the last two years the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and Fife Council have been working with partners including Historic Scotland and VisitScotland to enhance and bring to life this ancient capital of Scotland.
The first phase of this ambitious project saw the official opening of the City�s Gateway to the Heritage Quarter which is located in front of the Carnegie Birthplace Museum and will welcome visitors entering the city from the southern approach and provide increased parking, attractive landscaping and orientation information. The Gateway was opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony with �Queen Margaret�, �Robert the Bruce�, �King Charles� and �Andrew Carnegie� in attendance!
The next phase of the exciting developments will see streetscaping and signage linking the Gateway site to the Palace, Abbey and Abbot House.
Longer term, plans for a new custom-built museum and gallery are being developed, to be situated within the same compact quarter to encapsulate the essence of Dunfermline�s unique heritage and provide a modern window to its colourful past.
As part of this vigorous rejuvenation, the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum is also undergoing a full programme of upgrading. Now with free admission, new shop, caf� and displays portraying the impact of modern philanthropy, further phases will see the enhancement of the main museum hall, greater links to the worldwide family of Carnegie Foundations and increased facilities for exhibitions and events.
This is a truly exciting time for Dunfermline, made possible by the continued partnerships between the independent, local authority and public sector organisations involved.
For further information about the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum and its developments visit www.carnegiebirthplace.com or contact Lorna Owers, Manager on 01383 724302.
In March 2007, SMC published Hands On � a guide aimed at helping early years and primary school educators with object-based learning.
The publication was produced by SMC in collaboration with Glasgow Museums and is a step-by-step guide on how to use both everyday and museum objects both to provide enjoyment and to develop learning skills in children.
Links are made throughout the guide between object-based learning activities and A Curriculum for Excellence. More details will be given about the guide and its contents in the next edition of MG:Q.
SMC and Glasgow Museums are sure this will prove a fabulous tool to support teachers to forge links with museums and develop the confidence
to work with objects.
But don�t just take our word for this! Throughout May and June, the authors of the guide, Janice Lane and Anne Wallace of Glasgow Museums, will be facilitating regional training sessions aimed at providing information and guidance on using the publication.
The sessions will be held at:
Dundee (Discovery Point) � 16 May
Glasgow (Kelvingrove) � 17 May
Aberdeen (Aberdeen Maritime Museum) � 31 May
Edinburgh (The Engine Shed) � 8 June.
The training course is aimed at all museum employees, cultural coordinators and creative links officers interested in working with teachers to support their use of Hands On.
To register for the training course, please email [email protected] including �Hands On Training� in the subject field or drop us a line at Scottish Museums Council, The Stack, Papermill Wynd, McDonald Road, Edinburgh EH7 4QL.
We are now into the third year of the Accreditation Scheme in Scotland and are gearing up to invite seven batches of universities, non-nationally funded �national� museums, regimental and larger independent museums to apply for the scheme between now and March 2008.
The overall programme for this year has been delayed for three months to ensure that an assessment backlog is cleared before the next applications arrive at SMC in the autumn. All museums affected have received notification of this and most have been very pleased to have been given more time to prepare!
The overall programme has to be managed carefully to allow SMC to provide advice and to assess applications in an organised way. The exceptions to this timetabled approach are Associate members of SMC who, in discussion with the Accreditation Manager, can agree a timetable of application in line with their own development.
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses is the first of our Associate members to achieve Accreditation since the scheme was launched in Scotland in 2005. The museum worked very hard to achieve the standard and was actively involved in the Accreditation application process for only a year. Congratulations!
Accreditation � the Long Road
Written by Chris Henry, Director, Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
Chris Henry, Director of the museum, shares his experiences of the Accreditation process with us.
When I started at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in February 1995 the process was discussed in hushed tones as if it was an impossible goal. The museum had been through a period of instability and it was the victim of a complex lease and management agreement, which included three agencies.
The Board of the museum were absolutely sold on the idea of Accreditation and it was my job to see that it was achieved. It was obvious to me that the key to reaching the standard was to ensure the planning documents and their inclusion in the culture of the museum was paramount. We had to make sure that all of our systems were in place.
This had a very useful double effect: it goaded me into thinking about my future collections plans on paper and it engaged the staff in the process, especially where they were expected to provide some input such as the Emergency Plan. Under the guidance of SMC�s Accreditation Manager Susie Hillhouse it became clear that we already had quite a few collection management systems in place but we were certainly weak in some areas.
In the area of collections management, I found it much more useful to try simple improvements rather than complex ones. As with many other smaller museums we have few members of staff who deal with collections only and so we had to work out a way of allocating time to various projects and volunteers were essential in helping us do this.
We finally achieved Accreditation this year and I have to say it has had some interesting effects. Firstly, we were able capitalise on the PR we could gain from it and I have had quite a few people congratulating us on it (even if they don�t know what it is!) Secondly, the members of staff believe they have achieved something worth having. Thirdly, the Board have gained an insight into the back room work of the museum and I believe they are much the better for understanding that a museum is not solely composed of its displays but encompasses many other issues such as its ethos and the attitude of its workforce.
For more information on Accreditation, please contact Susie Hillhouse, SMC Accreditation Manager, on 0131 550 4124 or [email protected]
