exp!orer Winter 2006
The magazine for supporters of National Museums Scotland
Welcome
news | supporters | events
Cover
Director’s view Autumn 2006 marked the launch of a new brand for National Museums Scotland, as part of our wider programme of strategic change. We have created a stronger sense of family, with a new corporate identity and names for our sites which more consistently recognise their national status. The key focus of the brand is on inspiring people to discover the fascinating objects in our care. In line with our new brand, Explorer has a new look which we hope that you enjoy. Looking back over the year 2005-06, “We have created a stronger we have had some remarkable successes. sense of family, with a new Visitor numbers broke through the corporate identity and names 1.5 million mark, thanks to a full and varied programme of events, displays and for our sites which more exhibitions. Special exhibitions such as Dinosaurs Alive!, Nicholas and Alexandra: consistently recognise their The Last Tsar and Tsarina and Monster national status. The key focus Creepy Crawlies were especially successful, along with new permanent galleries such of the brand is on inspiring as Connect and Sporting Scotland. people to discover the Looking forward, a great deal of work has been undertaken to address the key fascinating objects in our care.” challenges and opportunities ahead. Our project to transform the visitor experience and display of collections in the Royal Museum building took a big step forward in 2005 with the initial approval by the Heritage Lottery Fund of a grant of £16.8 million. With support from the Scottish Executive and HLF, we have now developed detailed plans and expect a final decision to confirm the HLF grant in January 2007. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have supported our work over the past year, in so many different ways. Such support and engagement is vital in helping us realise our ambitious plans.
Contents 3-7 Highlights news from the National Museums
08 Coming up lectures and Curator’s Choice events
10 Brand new find out about the recent changes at National Museums Scotland
12 Connect gallery discover rockets and robots
16 Fonn ‘s Duthchas celebrating the Highland culture in 2007
19 Curator’s choice Ian Brown, Assistant Curator of Aviation, and his ‘ugly duckling’
20 Behind the scenes
Gordon Rintoul Director
meet writer-in-residence Zoë Strachan
22 Members’ tour
Explorer is the magazine for supporters of National Museums Scotland and is published by the Trustees of National Museums Scotland. The views of contributors are not necessarily those of the Trustees and information printed here is believed to be correct at the time of going to press.
Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Membership, donation and sponsorship enquiries: 0131 247 4191
Designed by: Carter Rae Communications, 24 Ainslie Place, Edinburgh
2 explorer winter 2006
The Rural life. Enjoying life down on the farm whatever the weather at the National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride.
Email: explorer@nms.ac.uk
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ISO 14001 Produced at a mill that holds ISO 14001 certification
highlights of a recent Members’ tour of Moscow and St Petersburg
24 Five minute interview Explorer meets Scott Neil, Visitor Services Assistant
news | supporters | events Kate Adie, former BBC correspondent, admires the maquette of the Commando memorial at Spean Bridge
Our museums National Museum of Scotland Trace the story of Scotland amid a world of discovery. Chambers Street, Edinburgh 0131 247 4422 Open daily
National Museum of Flight Our passion for planes, from earliest flight to Concorde. East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian 01620 897 240 Open weekends Nov-Mar Open daily Apr-Oct
National War Museum Feel the power, drama and impact of Scotland at war. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh 0131 247 4413 Open daily
National Museum of Rural Life Enjoy a taste of Scottish rural life. Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride 0131 247 4377 Open daily
National Museum of Costume History from head to toe. Shambellie House, New Abbey, Dumfries and Galloway 01387 850 375 Open daily Apr-Oct
Visit any time! www.nms.ac.uk Go online for admission prices, opening hours, details of special events and more.
Be the first to know! Sign up to receive regular e-news for what’s on and what’s happening across National Museums Scotland.
Veteran reporter visits Commando Country Kate Adie, formerly the BBC’s chief news correspondent, recently opened the new special exhibition, Commando Country, at the National War Museum. It became something of a joke in the British army that when Kate Adie arrived on the scene, soldiers knew they were in trouble. Kate memorably reported from many major international crises, first coming to prominence for her coverage of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege, and subsequently covering conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, events in the Gulf, Albania, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. Speaking as she opened the exhibition, Kate said: “This exhibition shows that in 1945 the Scottish landscape was the location for serious activity, in the preparation for war, and that some of the innovative, out-of-the-box thinking that went on at that time created the Commando tradition that we can still see today. At that time war was very close to home, and it is imperative for people today to realise that war does not always exist at a distance – that ordinary people are still fighting in our name and deserve our support. Come to the exhibition and see what happened in Scotland and how relevant it is to today.” Kate Adie has won an impressive array of awards including the BAFTA Richard Dimbleby Award and the Broadcasting Press Guild’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting. She was awarded an OBE in 1993. Hear Kate on BBC Radio 4 presenting From Our Own Correspondent.
• Commando Country continues at the National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle, until February 2008. • Admission to the museum is free with admission to Edinburgh Castle. explorer winter 2006 3
Highlights
news | supporters | events
Sacred words from Stewart Lockhart
These little piggies went to the museum
Maggie McDougall, Stockperson at the National Museum of Rural Life, welcomes Pinky and her litter
The National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride, welcomed a different breed of visitor earlier this year – a family of four pigs. Pinky, a White Park cross-breed sow, and her litter – Perky, Porky and Babe – were visiting from a local farm. The pigs joined the museum’s herd of 12 Ayrshire cows, calves and flock of black-faced sheep on the 150-acre farm. The museum plans to welcome new pigs in the spring. A flock of 12 hens now call the museum home too. They include six poultry breeds – Isa Browns, Silver Links, Black Rocks, Bluebells, Ambers and Speckledies. The hens are kept in a large run and are currently laying up to 12 eggs every day! Duncan Dornan, General Manager at the • The National Museum of Rural Life National Museum of Rural Life, says, “The is open daily animals at the museum are extremely 10:00-17:00. Closed on 25, 26 December, popular with everyone. Our farm is run using and 1 January. methods that are over 50 years old, and pigs • For full details of and hens would have played an important events at the museum, visit part on many Scottish farms in previous www.nms.ac.uk, pick generations. The animals help give the feel up a leaflet, or call of a real 1950s working farm environment.” 0131 247 4377. 4 explorer winter 2006
Exquisite sixth-century ink rubbings of Buddhist texts, on loan from George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, can be seen in a special exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. The rubbings were collected by a former Watson’s pupil, Sir James Stewart Lockhart (18581937), a colonial official in China for over 40 years. Buddhist texts have been carved in the mountains by the Chinese for over 1,500 years, as a means for meditation as well as veneration. For worshippers, ink rubbings carry the same spiritual value as the original carvings. Dr Hsueh-man Shen, Senior Curator of Chinese Art, explains, “In Chinese culture, words are much more than just a record of spoken language – they are a way of connecting with a higher spiritual world.” Norman Murray, Chairman of the Governing Council of George Watson’s College says, “We are delighted that such an important collection, originally donated to the school by the family of its distinguished former pupil, Sir James Stewart Lockhart, is now available for the nation to view. In an age when Scotland and schools, such as Watson’s, are seeking to promote close links with China, it is fitting that this marvellous collection, celebrating Eastern culture and art, is now on display.” • Sacred Words is on now in the Ivy Wu Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland. Admission is free.
Gareth Edwards, Principal, George Watson’s College; Norman Murray, Chairman of the Governing Council, George Watson’s College; Gordon Rintoul, Director; Hsueh-man Shen, Senior Curator of Chinese Art
news | supporters | events
Tom cruises to victory
Experience the drama of aviation at the National Museum of Flight
The 1986 blockbuster film Top Gun has topped the poll as the nation’s favourite aviation film, in a survey conducted by the National Museum of Flight during the Big Wing Week event in October. The hit movie, which featured Tom Cruise as intrepid young Navy flyer, Maverick Mitchell, polled 24% of the votes, just ahead of the 1954 Second World War classic The Dam Busters, starring Richard Todd and Michael Redgrave, which tells the story of the daring RAF raids on Ruhr dams with bouncing bombs. The nation’s tastes hit a lighter note with off-the-wall comedy Airplane taking fifth position. Amanda Jopling, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, says: “It was a close thing, but Tom Cruise’s box office appeal won through in the end. We hope the survey results will rekindle some of the excitement about planes and flight and encourage people to visit our museum to see the real thing preserved in spectacular surroundings.”
1. Top Gun 2. The Dam Busters 3. The Battle of Britain 4. Memphis Belle 5. Airplane 6. Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines 7. 633 Squadron 8. Flight of the Phoenix
• The National Museum of Flight is open November-March weekends 10:00-16:00. Also open daily 28-31 December, 3-7 January, 12-18 February 10:00-16:00. • Is Concorde as fast as Santa’s reindeer? Find out at the National Museum of Flight’s Supersonic Christmas on Sunday 17 and 24 December. For full details, pick up a leaflet, or visit www.nms.ac.uk or call 01620 897 240.
Horse Man, engraved crystal panel, Alison Kinnaird MBE (image courtesy of Robin Morton 2006)
Top Ten favourite aviation films:
9. The Aviator 10. Firefox
Scottish crafts are cutting edge An exhibition opening in early 2007, at the National Museum of Scotland, will showcase the innovative work created by craftspeople born or based in Scotland. The Cutting Edge features established makers such as silversmith Malcolm Appleby, glass artist Ray Flavell and jeweller Dorothy Hogg, as well as work by recent graduates of Scottish art schools, including automata by Ruth Chalmers and textiles by Gillian Cooper. The exhibition reveals Scotland’s place at the forefront of contemporary craft practice. Alongside the crafts on display will be design drawings, videos of the makers at work and audio interviews that reveal the skill, commitment and creativity of craftmakers, while offering insight into how they work and what inspires them.
• The Cutting Edge is a touring exhibition opening at the National Museum of Scotland in the special exhibition gallery from 26 January to 29 April 2007, then travelling to Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, and the Dick Institute, Kilmarnock. Admission is free. • For full details of related lectures, demonstrations and workshops, pick up a leaflet or visit www.nms.ac.uk. explorer winter 2006 5
Highlights
news | supporters | events
Christmas covered This Christmas at the National Museum of Scotland, keep the kids amused, grab a coffee, relax over lunch, fit in some shopping or catch a concert – all under one roof! Back by popular demand, Gifted, the beautiful selling exhibition of contemporary Scottish crafts, returns to the Crafts Gallery. With a broad range of jewellery, textiles, wood sculptures, glass, books, ceramics and metalwork, there’s something for everyone. It’s the ideal place to find a special gift for the person who has everything! To see Gifted artists in action: drop in on Sunday 17 December between 11:00 and 13:00 and see Shaeron Averbuch create intricate paper and metal garlands inspired by flora and fauna. On Sunday 17 December, come along and enjoy festive tunes from Edinburgh choirs. These free Christmas concerts start at 13:45 with The Edinburgh Saltire Gaelic Choir, while at 14:45 it’s the turn of Harmony 21 and finally at 15:45 enjoy the sounds of Sangstream. Would you believe there’s chemistry in Christmas? From Wednesday 27 until Friday 29 December, Paul Murray and Robin Andrews reveal all in an interactive show filled with experiments. Catch Christmas Chemistry in the Lecture Theatre at 14:30: it lasts 45 minutes and tickets cost just £1. Celebrate the New Year with lively music and dancing with the Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band at 14:00 on Hogmanay, Sunday 31 December. Recover on New Year’s Day with cool, reviving sounds also at 14:00.
• Gifted continues until 21 January in the Crafts Gallery.
Hang About Horses by Andrea Williamson 6 explorer winter 2006
news | supporters | events
Christmas Art Competition
Winter wrapped up Wrap up warm for a festive day out! Meet Supersonic Santa at the National Museum of Flight on Sunday 17 and Sunday 24 December, 12:00-14:00. Tickets cost £5 (child 2-12) and includes a gift. Have your glitter and glue at the ready for Christmas Crafts at the National Museum of Rural Life on Sunday 17, Saturday 30 December and Wednesday 3 January, 14:00-16:00.
A Jet-set gift for Christmas This Christmas, give someone a taste of the high life with an on-board tour of Concorde at the National Museum of Flight. To order your Concorde gift vouchers call 0131 247 4169, or visit www.nms.ac.uk for more.
• The National Museum of Flight is open NovemberMarch weekends only 10:00-16:00. Also open daily 28-31 December, 3-7 January, 12-18 February 10:00-16:00. • The National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride is open daily 10:00-17:00 (closed 25, 26 December and 1 January).
Using the National Museum of Scotland’s collections for inspiration, get drawing at the annual art-fest for young and old; you could win a great prize! Pencils and paper are provided, just bring your imagination and any other materials you’d like to use! The Christmas Art Competition takes place in the Main Hall from Wednesday 27 until Saturday 30 December and admission is free. Will your artwork be chosen for display? Find out in a special exhibition of entries, displayed in the Main Hall, from Tuesday 9 to Friday 26 January. Sponsored by the Friends of National Museums Scotland • The National Museum of Scotland is open daily 10:00-17:00 (closed 25 December. 1 January open 12:00-17:00). Admission free.
For full details of events this winter, pick up a leaflet or visit www.nms.ac.uk. Be the first to know! Sign up online to receive the National Museums Scotland’s regular e-newsletter.
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Coming up
news | supporters | events
Members of National Museums Scotland enjoy lots of benefits, including fascinating lectures revealing the stories behind objects in the collections and aspects of Scotland’s history. Lecture series Tickets are free for Members. Adult £5, Conc £4 for non-Members. Venue: Lecture Theatre, National Museum of Scotland.
consider how best to develop the museum over the next ten years. Come and hear Alexander Hayward outline the history of the site and learn more about our exciting plans for its future.
Mon 15 January 2007 at 18:00 Reverend Charlie Robertson
Tue 13 March 2007 at 14:00 Professor Jim Murray
Canongate: Its Kirk and Parish
The Glasgow Empire Exhibition 1938
Much of the drama of Scotland’s history has been played out with the Canongate as its stage. The cast has included kings and princes, prelates and Presbyterians, soldiers and statesmen, as well as generations of the ordinary folk of the burgh and parish. Join the Reverend Charlie Robertson, former Minister of the Kirk, as he examines the Canongate’s past and how it continues to be a place where history is made. In association with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
While war clouds gathered over Europe, a massive twelve million people, from all over the world, gathered in Glasgow for this grand exposition. Professor Jim Murray explores why the exhibition, which highlighted the strengths of Scotland and the Empire, still features vividly in the minds of those who visited and why many still treasure souvenirs of the occasion.
Tue 13 February 2007 at 14:00 Alexander Hayward, Keeper of Science and Technology
Ready for take off! New Developments at the National Museum of Flight East Fortune in East Lothian is home to the national aviation collection. Both the site (with many surviving Second World War buildings) and the collections are of outstanding significance. The success of The Concorde Experience has provided a springboard for National Museums to 8 explorer winter 2006
Curator’s Choice An exclusive series of talks, handling sessions and demonstrations. Tickets are free for Members, £2 for nonMembers. Venue: Education Centre, National Museum of Scotland. Fri 26 January 2007 at 14:00 Christopher Craig, Assistant Curator of Science
The Invention of Photography: The Talbot Collection Long before digital technology, who were the pioneers of early light, paper and chemical photography? Learn about some of the early principles of
Hall chairs, designed by Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, Edinburgh, c1835
developing, fixing, and printing photographic images during the late 1830s. Join Christopher Craig, Assistant Curator of Science, to hear about the work of William Henry Fox Talbot, what his contemporaries were up to and why, until then, ‘cameras’ existed but not photographs! Places limited.
Fri 23 February 2007 at 14:00 Stephen Jackson, Curator of Applied Art and Design
Relics of the Eglinton Tournament In 1839, the Earl of Eglinton organised a mock-medieval knight’s tournament in Ayrshire, which was attended by thousands of visitors from across the country.
Stephen will be showing several relics of this event and looking at the hidden story behind two very bizarre chairs. • Tickets for Lectures or Curator’s Choice events are available from the National Museum of Scotland Ticket and Information Desk, or by calling 0131 247 4422.
To become a ember Join National Museums Scotland and start to enjoy the many benefits of Membership straight away. Becoming a Member couldn’t be easier: simply call 0131 247 4191 or visit www.nms.ac.uk
Behind the scenes
Northern exposure National Museums Scotland works in partnership with organisations across the world to give many people access to the collections. Here, Chantal Knowles, Principal Curator, Oceania, Americas and Africa, tells Explorer about the Dogrib project. On Friday 20 September, my colleague, Conservator Lynn McClean, and I, began a three-day trip to Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories of Canada. We were taking 40 objects from the World Cultures collections back to their place of origin. The epic journey, possibly to the most northerly loan venue ever for objects from National
“Grand Chief George Mackenzie performed the opening, before a Scottish piper led the officials into the exhibition.” Museums Scotland, included two overland truck trips, a transatlantic flight and a flight across Arctic Canada. The collection we were taking, for an exhibition at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre entitled De T’a Hoti Ts’eeda: We Live Securely by the Land, was made by Scottish fur traders from the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1850s. The entire collection features just over 200 pieces and includes unparalleled examples of artefacts from the indigenous peoples of the Canadian Arctic and Sub-Arctic.
One of the groups represented in the collections, the Tlicho First Nation – formerly known as the Dogrib – have recently settled a land claim agreement giving them territorial and political control over an area of approximately 39,000 km2. As part of research carried out for the land claim, which took over 20 years to conclude, our early collections were brought to their attention. A group of Tlicho elders and interpreters visited us in 2002 to look at the collection. This was when the idea of an exhibition back in the Northwest Territories was born, enabling objects from National Museums Scotland collections to be seen by the communities as part of a process of ‘knowledge repatriation’. The idea also fitted in with the traditional knowledge projects that the Tlicho had been carrying out as part of building a case for their land claim. After a long week of installation, the exhibition De T’a Hoti Ts’eeda: We Live Securely by the Land opened on Sunday 1 October. Grand Chief George Mackenzie, accompanied by the Chiefs of the four Dogrib communities, performed the opening, which included a drum dance and a prayer, before a Scottish piper led the officials into the exhibition.
View from the aircraft across the barrenlands. Below: model snowshoes. Dogrib, Fort Rae, 1860
The collaboration between National Museums Scotland, University of Dundee, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the Tlicho Government is a unique way in which we can give access to historic collections and
learn more about them and where they came from. • An online catalogue of the exhibition is available at http://pwnhc.learnnet.nt.ca/nmsathc oll/index.html. The collection returns to Scotland for display in 2008. explorer winter 2006 9
National Museums Scotland
Brand new Explorer takes a closer look at the recent changes National Museums Scotland has made in communicating our activities and engaging with audiences. During the last year National Museums Scotland have undertaken a wide-ranging review looking at what people know and value about the organisation, and whether communication with visitors and potential visitors was effective. The outcome of this work has resulted in new names for some museums, a fresh graphic identity and updated marketing materials. Research revealed the need to improve understanding of the constituent parts of the group, resulting in more consistent naming for each museum, to clearly identify them as ‘national’ museums. Catherine Holden, Director of Marketing & Development, explains, “Our visitors and the public told us that our brand and names were confusing and that there was low awareness of the family of sites. We’ve listened to them with the changes we have made. The brand reflects our wish to engage a wide audience, to encourage them to visit all of our museums
and to have a memorable and enjoyable experience. “A more coherent ‘look and feel’ for all activities aims to express a shared vision and mission, focusing on the objects in the national collections and the stories behind them. A new logo highlights Scottish identity and the processes of exploration, discovery and delight, which visitors experience at all our museums.”
What’s in a name?
The overall name of the organisation remains relatively unchanged; it has become National Museums Scotland. The Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland have become the National Museum of Scotland. Research indicated that there was confusion between the two parts of the joint complex, and about the content of the Royal Museum; some expected a history of kings and queens – rather than the natural history, applied arts, science and technology which is on offer. Consequently the Royal “A more coherent ‘look Museum name is not widely and feel’ for all activities used, many opting for ‘National Museum’. To aid aims to express a with the transition, shared vision and reference to the two names will remain in mission, focusing on the places for a period – for objects in the national example, ‘The Royal Museum Project’ will collections and the complete the stories behind them.” transformation of the
If you would like to receive a copy of this year’s Annual Review please contact Sally Borley on 0131 247 4095 or email s.borley@nms.ac.uk 10 explorer winter 2006
National Museums Scotland National Museum of Scotland when it reopens in 2011. The Museum of Scottish Country Life has become the National Museum of Rural Life. The change to ‘Rural Life’ arose when research revealed visitors were associating the museum with topics covered in Country Life magazine, not reflecting the museum and farm experience on offer. Shambellie House Museum of Costume is now the National Museum of Costume. New exhibitions will be developed at the museum to highlight the history of Scottish costume. The Museum of Flight has become the National Museum of Flight. There are exciting development plans for the museum, which will build on the outstanding success of The Concorde Experience and more truly reflect the importance of this museum in a national and international context. The National War Museum of Scotland name will remain relatively unchanged, becoming the National War Museum.
• If you have any questions or comments, about the new brand please contact Marketing & Development on 0131 247 4095 or email info@nms.ac.uk.
Open all hours! www.nms.ac.uk The National Museums Scotland website has a new look and lots of new interactive features. Kids only! is the first of many interactive activities: build a jungle-worthy aircraft in the Plane Builder challenge! You can also search hundreds of objects from Scottish history and archaeology in our online database. Key objects from the collections are brought together in ‘highlights’, showcasing treasures from the Lewis Chessmen to the Qurneh coffin. There’s also more information on National Museums Scotland’s many partnerships and forthcoming events and exhibitions. Evelyn Simpson, Head of Information Services, says, “The new-look website offers lots of information about our museums and the national collections, as well as fun interactive activities for younger people and informative downloadable resources for teachers. The website is constantly evolving and we are working to bring even more new content and features to the site in the future. In the meantime, we hope visitors will find the site attractive, informative and easy to use.” Sign up online to the National Museums Scotland’s e-newsletter and be the first to know what’s on and what’s happening.
explorer winter 2006 11
Connect gallery
Rockets and robots In the final article profiling the National Museum of Scotland’s Connect gallery, Explorer enters into the world of rockets and technology with a revealing look at the Blast Off! and Robots zones. In science fiction, rockets and robots feature together in entertaining tales of adventure and exploration. Connect charts their early development, with two informative and interactive displays explaining the history and exploding the myths behind these two fascinating technologies. Robots have become an increasingly common feature of modern life, performing tasks which humans would either find labour-intensive or impossible to complete. The gallery’s Robots zone charts the early development of robotics and explores the technology required for a machine to complete even the most simple of tasks. The star of the zone is Freddie, a ‘thinking’ robot designed and constructed by The University of Edinburgh in the 1970s. Freddie was designed to simulate the intelligence of a five-year-old child and was programmed to perform tasks which for a human would be easy, but for a robot required ground-breaking technology. “At the time Freddie was a landmark achievement,” explains Tacye Phillipson, Curator of Modern Science & Computing. “It was the first time a robot had been developed combining visual co-ordination and tactile feedback. Freddie was designed to perform complex tasks, such as locating and reconstructing the parts of a child’s toy using video cameras and touch sensors.” “Freddie is very delicate so is protected by a display case,” says Lyndsey Clark, Science 12 explorer winter 2006
“It was the first time a robot had been developed combining visual co-ordination and tactile feedback.”
Communications Manager. “But we are very lucky to be able to show Freddie in operation on the original 16-millimeter film footage.” Freddie’s ability to ‘think’ is highlighted by the Alphabot exhibit which invites visitors to type in a name allowing the robotic arm to pick and place letters to spell out the word. “It’s a more modern robot but not as ‘intelligent’,” explains Tacye. “The letter blocks have to be very accurately placed; a two-millimetre deviation will fool the machine and it won’t be able to pick up the blocks. Although over 30 years old, Freddie could ‘see’ and ‘feel’ objects.” Across the gallery, visitors can see the imposing structure of the Blast Off! zone’s Black Knight rocket. Formerly displayed in sections at the National Museum of Flight, Connect’s British research rocket, the second prototype in the 1950s developmental series, is now the only complete example to be exhibited in an upright position in the UK. Initially developed as research towards Britain’s
What would you look like in a space suit?
Connect Gallery
explorer winter 2006 13
Connect Gallery independent nuclear deterrent, 22 Black Knights were fired from Woomera in the Western Australian desert. Eventually the project was used for atmospheric re-entry research towards NASA’s space programme. “We wanted to show the rocket upright as it would have been on the launch pad,” says Lyndsey. “The Black Knight harks back to a time when the Cold War was at its height. Our interactive displays are designed to explain why rockets like the Black Knight were developed, especially for Connect’s younger visitors who won’t remember the Cold War.” Sitting alongside the towering rocket is an original Gemini space capsule, on long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institute in the United States, highlighting how the principles underlying rocket development have also been used for more peaceful means. “We’re very lucky to have two such unusual exhibits which perfectly demonstrate the development of rockets, from weapons to manned space flight,” Lyndsey concludes.
Dolly Day Wednesday 14 February Dolly the sheep, who takes pride of place in Connect’s Me2 zone, illustrates Scotland’s prominent role in genetic research. Although actually born on 5 July 1996, Dolly’s arrival was not announced until February 1997 due to the scientific peer review process. Dolly Day, a series of events on at the National Museum of Scotland, marks the 10th anniversary of the announcement:
Dolly Chains Make your own paper chain of identical sheep in a family art workshop in the National Museum of Scotland Science Zone, 11:00-13:00, free (age 4+).
Genes in a Bottle Extract some of your own DNA – it’s quite painless! Then take it home to 14 explorer winter 2006
Connect Gallery show your friends. National Museum of Scotland, Education Centre, 13:00, £2, book now (age 10+).
Looking after Dolly Roslin Institute vet Tim King joins Andrew Kitchener, Curator of Mammals, in the National Museum of Scotland’s Science Zone to talk about Dolly’s life at Roslin, 14:00-14:30, free (age 6+).
Re-creating Dolly Curator Andrew Kitchener and a colleague from the National Museum’s taxidermy team talk about how Dolly was preserved for display at the National Museum of Scotland’s Science Zone, 15:45-16:30, free (age 6+).
Meet the Scientist: Ian Wilmut Your chance to ask geneticist Ian Wilmut how and why Dolly was created, and what the next steps in cloning might be, in the National Museum of Scotland’s Science Zone, 14:45-15:30, free, (age 6+).
Ten Years of Dolly: Past, Present, Future What did Dolly’s birth really mean for science and the society we live in? What can and should be done with the technology now and in the future? Panellists include Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell, part of the team who created Dolly; Alan Holland, Professor of Applied Philosophy at the University of Lancaster and Dr Donald Bruce, from the Church of Scotland’s Society, Religion and Technology Project. National Museum of Scotland Lecture Theatre, 18:30-20:00, Adult £5, Conc £4, book now (age 12+). In partnership with the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Tickets are available from the National Museum of Scotland Information and Ticket Desk or by calling 0131 247 4422. explorer winter 2006 15
Fonn ‘s Duthchas
16 explorer winter 2006
Fonn ‘s Duthchas
Fonn ‘s Duthchas A new collaborative exhibition is set to give a perspective on what represents Highland culture. Explorer previews Fonn ‘s Duthchas: Land and Legacy, which highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Plaid brooch said to have been presented to John Bán Mackenzie, Piper to the Marquis of Breadalbane, by Queen Victoria in 1854 (National Museums Scotland)
As Scotland prepares to celebrate Highland culture in 2007, a new exhibition organised jointly by National Museums Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland is set to offer an updated view of one of Scotland’s most culturally vibrant regions. Fonn ‘s Duthchas celebrates the heritage and creativity of a society that continues to contribute to the identity of Scotland. “It’s been fascinating to work on the project as it has developed,” said Maureen Barrie, Exhibitions Officer. “Two years ago we realised that if we wanted to look at iconic objects in a different light, from the Picts through to contemporary issues such as windfarms, the best approach would be to divide the exhibition into distinct areas.” Themes are therefore used to tell stories about the people and their culture. “We wanted to put different perspectives on well-known material, drawing out lesser-known stories rather than repeating the familiar,” explains Maureen. The inclusion of artefacts from three National Collections means that, for the first time, related objects have been brought together under one roof. Hugh Cheape, Curator of Modern Scottish History, explains: “It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to choose the very best objects from the three organisations. For example, we have Napoleon’s personal copy of Ossian, which is pretty amazing. This 18th-century publication turned everyone’s attention to the Highlands and was then translated into many languages. The whole Ossian
phenomenon has been marginalised, but culturally it’s very important.” Another of the exhibition’s themes is the way the Highlands became popular through royal patronage – from Jacobite risings to Queen Victoria. “A key item is the Lyon in Mourning manuscript, written by the Reverend Robert Forbes at the time of the Rising. It is an excellent source of evidence of what happened in 1745. It is also extraordinary in
“We wanted to put different perspectives on well-known material, drawing out lesser-known stories rather than repeating the familiar,” European terms as the very first piece of extended war reportage,” says Hugh. Fonn ‘s Duthchas also includes artefacts that suggest the finesse of Highland culture and taste over the centuries. “When people think of the Highlands in the late medieval and early-modern period, they think of clan barbarism,” says Hugh. “However, Highland society during this time was both assertive and cosmopolitan. This is something that has not been overtly recognised by the majority of textbooks.” A section entitled ‘Keeping Faith’ demonstrates how the Highlands have accepted many faiths over the centuries. “We have a magnificent psalm book explorer winter 2006 17
Fonn ‘s Duthchas Fonn ‘s Duthchas: Land and Legacy A catalogue of objects in the exhibition and a narrative (in English and Gaelic) by historian James Hunter has been produced. Explorer readers can buy the book at the special price of £8.99 including postage and packing (normally £9.99). This offer is valid until 31 March 2007 and is available only from NMS Enterprises Limited – Publishing, on 0131 247 4026 or email publishing@nms.ac.uk quoting Explorer magazine or your Membership number.
The exhibition tours Scotland this year: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Saturday 13 January-Sunday 18 March Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, Friday 6 April-Sunday 10 June National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Friday 29 June-Sunday 2 September Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway, Friday 21 September-Sunday 2 December 18 explorer winter 2006
Left: The Lyon in Mourning by Bishop Robert Forbes, 18th century. Relics of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Flora MacDonald were pasted into the cover of the second volume (National Library of Scotland) Below: Chessman, Scandinavian in origin, late 12th century. One of eight kings from a hoard found in the winter of 1830-31 at Uig Bay, Lewis (National Museums Scotland)
“Every person who has put a footprint on the Highland landscape, whether Pict, Viking or Scot, has helped make that culture what it is today,” from Iona, thought to have belonged to the daughter of Somerled, first King of the Isles in the 13th century, and a post-Reformation book of Gaelic psalms – showing that the church was perhaps instrumental in using Gaelic,” says Hugh. ‘Portraits of Highland Life’ also demonstrates the fine taste of Highland society. John Michael Wright’s portrait of a chieftain from the 1680s is a familiar image but never taken seriously until very recently, according to Hugh. “In the past, it was seen as an ‘overblown’ image and not representative of Highland society. However, we are beginning to realise that by scrutinising past evidence, not coloured by the English-speaking world, this portrait is highly representative of this confident, successful and assertive Highland society before it was eradicated.” Maureen explains that she hopes visitors will gain a sense of the rich, vibrant and very much evolving culture of the Highlands. “Every person who has put a footprint on the Highland landscape, whether Pict, Viking or Scot, has helped make that culture what it is today,” she says.
Curator’s choice A true hero Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson (1918-1944) was the first Commanding Officer of the RAF’s 617 Squadron, which he led in the ‘Dam Busters’ raid (Operation Chastise) in 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area. He was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Victoria Cross. Gibson was killed in a crash later in the war. The Cygnet was a side-byside two-seater light aircraft developed originally in 1936 by CW Aircraft, and redesigned by General Aircraft as the Cygnet II, featuring a tricycle undercarriage, twin tail unit and a 150-horsepower Cirrus Major II piston engine. Production aircraft were delivered between 1939 and 1941, five for RAF service that included training in tricycle undercarriage techniques and two others used for communications.
Max speed 135 mph/217 km/h
Gross weight 2,200lb/999kg
Span 34 ft 6in/10.52m
Length 23ft 3in/7.09m
The ‘ugly duckling’ Ian Brown, Assistant Curator at the National Museum of Flight, tells Explorer about an ‘ugly duckling’ with a beautiful heritage – the General Aircraft Cygnet II. Walking amongst the historic Second World War hangars at the National Museum of Flight, you would be forgiven for not paying particular attention to G-AGBN, a twoseater piston engine aircraft dating from 1941. For Ian Brown, however, it is one of the museum’s most significant aircraft. The reason: provenance and rarity. “The Cygnet is one of only two aircraft of this type surviving,” says Ian. But that isn’t the only reason for its importance. “The real reason is that Wing Commander Guy Gibson, lead pilot in the ‘Dam Busters’ raids, flew it twice as an instructor in 1942 at Number 51 Operational Training Unit in Cranfield, Lincolnshire. To my knowledge, it is the only aircraft to survive that he actually flew. In terms of the significance to Second World War historians and aircraft enthusiasts, it’s immense.”
This odd-looking aircraft, with its ‘tricycle’ three-wheel undercarriage and side-by-side seating configuration, might not win any beauty contests, agrees Ian, but he explains that it was very innovative. “I love it because it was the very first all-metal British light aircraft and with its modern, three-wheel design it wouldn’t look out of place on an airfield even now, 70 years after it was first designed. Its connection to an aviation legend just adds to its appeal.” “This aircraft is what the National Museum of Flight is all about,” sums up Ian. “Even if visitors aren’t aircraft enthusiasts and are just here for a day out, they will have heard of the ‘Dam Busters’ and people are always interested in the stories behind the objects. That’s why the Cygnet is so special to me.”
• Join one of the museum’s free guided tours to see the Cygnet in Hangar 3.
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Behind the scenes
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Behind the scenes
A writer in residence Explorer meets Zoë Strachan, the National Museum of Scotland’s first writer-in-residence, whose aim was to help visitors and staff look at objects in new ways. Author Zoë Strachan’s recent residency at the National Museum of Scotland brought together the two things she is really passionate about – literature and history. “As the museum’s first writer-in-residence, I feel a bit like a pioneer!”, she says. The National Collections provided the backdrop for a five-week creative writing class for adult learners during the residency. Zoë explains, “We started with the idea that everyone has a story to tell. Many of the students were new to writing and have really developed their confidence in expressing their ideas. The museum itself was new to a few people – either they hadn’t been in before or they felt it wasn’t for them. Now they are at home here and have found a lot of inspiring things to write about.” Handling real objects was a highlight for the group, as Zoë explains. “People get really enthusiastic when they can actually touch something that’s not a reproduction or in a glass case. Even if it doesn’t look particularly spectacular, like an arrowhead, just the thrill of thinking that someone made it so long ago makes it a very creative experience.” With Zoë’s help, budding writers on the museum’s staff have also been looking at how they can tell the story behind exhibits. “We want to bring objects to life by asking questions like ‘who made this?’ and ‘who did this belong to?’,” she says.
“We started with the idea that everyone has a story to tell. Many of the students were new to writing and have really developed their confidence in expressing their ideas.”
Zoë’s own interests and thoughts have been affected by her experience of the museum. “Although I was mainly interested in early history, I’ve completely switched and have been looking at the industrial exhibits. I’ve been thinking about the people who used these machines, in industries that have now disappeared. I find it fascinating.” Although Zoë’s time at the museum has come to an end, she has one more brief to fulfil: a piece of writing inspired by her residency. “I think it will definitely be a short story; I already have a lot of ideas for it.” Look out for Zoë’s short story in the spring issue of Explorer. • Zoë’s residency was a partnership between National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature (www.cityofliterature.co.uk) and CLAN, the city’s literacy and numeracy partnership (www.clanedinburgh.org).
About the writer Zoë Strachan was born in 1975 and grew up in Kilmarnock. Her first novel, Negative Space, was published in 2002 (Picador). It won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book of the Year Award. Her second novel, Spin Cycle came out in 2004 (Picador), to critical acclaim. She is a tutor on the MPhil in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow. She is currently working on her third novel, Play Dead.
Writers read Join Zoë Strachan and friends for short readings of poetry and prose inspired by the National Museum of Scotland and its collections on Saturday 24 February at 14:45 and 15:45 (30 minutes). Admission is free.
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Members’ tour Spring tour: Chichester, 17-21 May 2007
Above: The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. Below: Towers in the Kremlin
From Russia with love Paul and Ruth Maxwell share their highlights of a recent Members’ tour of Moscow and St Petersburg. In Moscow, a city of 14 million inhabitants and traffic indiscipline, we were glad of the protection our tour bus gave us as we passed by Lenin’s Mausoleum. The Kremlin is Moscow’s centrepiece and the symbol of her greatness. At the Archangel Michael Cathedral, the burial place of the Tsars prior to Peter the Great, we saw the Tzar Cannon, so-called the ‘Ghost’ because it was never fired – it made Mons Meg look small!
“Although at times hectic, the trip was always captivating.”
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On to St Petersburg, the ‘Amsterdam of the North’, dominated by the River Neva and its canals. The State Hermitage Museum was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip. Only half of its 1000 rooms are open each day and no advance information is given – guides have to be ready to take parties to whichever rooms are available. Highlights included the State Rooms in Catherine the Great’s Winter Palace, which hold the largest collection of Rembrandt paintings outside the Netherlands. Catherine’s gift to her son Paul I, Alexander’s Palace and Pavlovsk, lies just outside St Petersburg. Scottish architect Charles Cameron is rightly celebrated here, both for his work within the palace, for example in the magnificent dining room with its ostrich feather chandelier, and for his planning of the grounds. We will end with Alexander Pushkin, whose place in Russian literature is supreme. We visited the flat where he lived for a short period before his fatal duel and, movingly, had one of his poems recited to us by our guide, Tamara. She followed this tour de force with, in perfect English, My Heart’s in the Highlands! Although at times hectic, the trip was always captivating, and the credit for its success is due to Janice Dickson of Dickson Travel and Tour Director Harriet Macandrew. All that remains to say is: where to next year?
Based in and around this walled cathedral town in West Sussex, tour highlights will include the newly extended Pallant House Museum, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight and visits to the Mary Rose and HMS Victory warships at Portsmouth.
Autumn tour: Baltic States, September 2007 Planning is well under way for this tour which will take in medieval towns and cities, castles and cathedrals in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. • Contact Virginia Holt on 0131 332 2681 for more information.
A winner! The winner of the Beyond the Palace Walls competition is Graham Irving from Lenzie, who correctly stated that the Five Pillars of Islam are Profession of Faith, Alms, Fasting, Prayer and Pilgrimage. A copy of the exhibition catalogue is on its way – congratulations!
Membership
Membership – what’s next? Following a vote and unanimous decision at the recent Extraordinary General Meeting, the National Museums Scotland Friends Committee will dissolve on 31 December 2006. The Committee will be replaced on 1 January 2007 by a new Membership Advisory Group, which will include some familiar faces and some new. The new Group includes current Members and National Museums Scotland staff. We are delighted that Karen Clulow, who previously organised the programme of lectures and curator’s choice events, will continue in a similar role. Virginia Holt will be organising cultural tours to local venues as well as travel to locations further afield, and Rosemary Williamson will be organising the ever-popular Christmas Art Competition. Colin Ross will continue his role as Treasurer on the new Group, which will be chaired by Sandy Richardson, Head of Development. Samantha Lagneau, Development Manager with responsibility for Membership, and Jonathan Frost, Development Assistant, will also represent National Museums Scotland. Regular meetings will be held to discuss all matters relating to Membership. The Advisory Group will continue to produce an exciting programme of events, travel and lectures available for all Members. Sandy Richardson says, “We are delighted to have the continuing support of some very experienced volunteers, as we make the transition required by
Colin Ross, Karen Clulow, Rosemary Williamson, Virginia Holt, Members of the new Advisory Group
charity law to a new structure of the membership committee. I am sure Members will enjoy the high quality programmes. I would like to pay a special tribute to the Members on the Friends committee who will be stepping down at the year end. In particular, David Lamb and Anne Ruckley have made a huge contribution over recent years, as President and Secretary respectively. On behalf of National Museums, as well as our many thousands of Members, I would like to express our great gratitude to David and Anne and to their committee.”
Guess who? I was born in Roslin and hit the headlines in 1997. For the chance to win a Charles Rennie Mackintosh photo frame and mug, email your answer to membership@nms.ac.uk or write to Marketing & Development, National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, by 15 January 2007.
Join us! Would you like free or reduced admission to our museums and special exhibitions? The chance to treat yourself with discounts in our cafés and shops? How about access to a varied programme of events, and regular copies of Explorer magazine? From as little as £21 per year you can have all this, plus much more. Becoming a Member couldn’t be easier, just visit any of our museums, log on to www.nms.ac.uk or call 0131 247 4191.
Corporate Members Many of National Museums Scotland’s achievements have been made possible by partnerships with the corporate sector and we are proud to credit our Corporate Members below. Each of these partnerships is greatly valued and makes a real difference to the work we do. We have recently revised our Corporate Membership scheme after much research. The new, flexible scheme offers a fantastic range of benefits and has been designed to ensure that Members can tailor a package to suit their individual business needs. For more information contact Judith Craig at j.craig@nms.ac.uk or call 0131 247 4193.
BT Scotland | Miller Group | William Grant & Sons Ltd explorer winter 2006 23
Five minute interview
Scott Neil
Far left: Gesso panel designed by Alf Webster for the Byzantine smoke room, Glasgow, 1910 Above: Scott Neil
Explorer meets Scott Neil, Visitor Services Assistant. Scott has worked at the National Museum of Scotland for seven years, as part of the front-of-house team. His duties are extremely varied and include leading guided tours, staffing the information and ticket desks, telephonist – even machine operator! What did you do before joining National Museums Scotland? I trained as a designer, specialising in ceramics. Now I work mostly on portraiture and landscapes and I continue to hold exhibitions, most recently at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre as part of the Fringe Festival, and I display my work in various galleries. What’s the most enjoyable part of your job? Giving Intro Tours to visitors. I get to talk about my favourite objects and aspects of the building, while visitors from around the globe share their stories with me. What is the most surprising thing that’s happened to you while working here? Scoring a goal at a Scottish Premier League 24 explorer winter 2006
football stadium (Dunfermline’s East End Park). I was representing the National Museums Scotland staff football team. Anyone who has seen me play would express surprise at my scoring! What is your favourite object in the museum? A large semicircular gesso panel on Level 5. It was designed by Alf Webster around 1910 as part of a series for the Byzantine smoke room in Anderson’s Royal Polytechnic Warehouse, a large shop which was on Argyle Street in Glasgow. Why is it so important to you? It’s a beautiful piece of art. It captures a sense of the exotic, while still being appropriate to the ‘masculine’ environment
“It’s a beautiful piece of art. It captures a sense of the exotic, while still being appropriate to the ‘masculine’ environment of the smoke room.” of the smoke room, where it was one of many panels round the top of the room. It’s a great example of interior design for boys! What’s next for you today? Right after this interview I’m heading off to the library to continue my research into the growth of museums in Victorian Britain. But tomorrow I could be selling Concorde Boarding Passes!