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Blog post
Capturing the present with 20th century photographic equipment
In the 20th century, camera technology was very different to the digital cameras we use today. As part of the Scotland 365 Youth Project, Julie Gibb explains how a group of young people used this older photographic technology to capture objects in the collection with a connection to their local...Gibb, Julie
National Museums Collection Centre, Scotland 365, and Photography
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Blog post
The many lives of the Traprain Treasure’s Roman silver
One of the greatest treasures of our museum is the late Roman silver hoard from Traprain Law in East Lothian, which fills three display cases in the Early People gallery. Found in excavations in 1919, it’s been on display pretty much constantly since 1920. Now, more than a century after...Hunter, Fraser
Traprain Treasure, Silver, and Roman
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Blog post
Dressed to kill? A 16th century doublet in historical context
A dazzling Renaissance silk doublet is now on display in the Fashion and Style gallery at National Museums Scotland. In this blog Helen Wyld, Senior Curator of Historic Textiles, and Calum Robertson, Curator of Modern and Military History, take a deep dive into the history of the doublet, and its...Wyld, Helen ; Robertson, Calum
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Blog post
Objects in Place: Kilmartin Glen, Argyll
Every part of Scotland is historic, with stories for the telling. Whether rural or urban, landscapes and communities are the ultimate source of the objects we collect and display. Yet, it is easy to be so preoccupied with the objects themselves that we lose sight of where those objects were...Weinczok, David C
Scottish History, Bronze Age, Archaeology , Early Medieval Scotland , and Prehistory
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Blog post
Collecting Stories: How objects came into collections
Our new Collecting Stories gallery at the National Museum of Scotland looks the development of the National Collection and explores how and why we have acquired objects over two centuries and continue to do so today. John Giblin, Keeper of Global Arts, Cultures and Design, tells us more.Giblin, John
Black History Month , National Museum Of Scotland, Galleries , Colonial Histories And Legacies , and Collecting Stories
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Blog post
Concepts have teeth Blackfoot objects at National Museums Scotland
A project exploring Blackfoot quillwork in Scottish museums recently led a remote visit to explore and scan Blackfoot collections held in our collections. Members of the project team tell us about this visit and how digital imaging techniques are allowing for closer engagements with cultural heritage.Minkin, Louisa ; Clark, Christine ; Shouting, Melissa ; Clark, Ali
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Blog post
Object itineraries and tools of knowledge
One aspect of the data enhancement that forms part of the Tools of Knowledge project involves connecting the remodelled SIMON database with object data from partner institutions. Bringing in object data, as a first step, allows us to make more connections, undertake new kinds of analysis, and reveal new stories...Middle, Sarah
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Objects in Place: The Eildon Hills, Scottish Borders
The might of the Roman Empire is often likened to a shadow looming over the peoples along its ever-expanding frontiers. Yet, there is one place where this metaphor is inverted. As the winter sun sets behind the three peaks of the Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders, it is the...Weinczok, David C
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Blog post
First British record of the short-finned pilot whale
What is the difference between the long-finned and the short-finned pilot whale? Andrew Kitchener explains how the examination of the skull of a stranded whale revealed the true identity of the species and the most northerly stranding of a short-finned pilot whale in the northeast Atlantic.Kitchener, Andrew C
Britain , Stranding , Whales, Short-Finned Pilot Whale, Pilot Whale , and Whale
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Other
Former Museum Staff: Finding List
Thomas Archer: Director of the Industrial Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art from 1860-1885. A S Clarke: Keeper of the Royal Scottish Museum (RSM) (joined staff in 1954) Alexander Robert Hutchieson: Papers of Alexander Robert Hutchieson, Keeper of the Department of Technology, RSM, from 1934 to...National Museums Scotland
Library, Royals Scottish Museum, Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art, museum administration, Industrial Museum of Scotland , and Archives
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Blog post
Visiting the ancient dead: Pictish reuse of a Bronze Age grave at Golspie, Highland
This blog is from a series produced as part of the AHRC funded Boundary Objects Project , a partnership between Historic Environment Scotland , National Museums Scotland and the Universities of Manchester and Reading. We often think of the graves of the dead lying undisturbed and untouched until they are...Knight, Matthew G ; Maldonado, Adrián
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Blog post
Collecting contemporary Scottish whisky / A’ cruinneachadh uisge-bheatha Albannach an latha an-diugh
Plenty of people collect whisky, but how many can say that they collect whisky for a museum? PhD student Laura Scobie has the enviable job of expanding our whisky collections. In this blog post, Laura explores the ways that whisky brands adopt a sense of place and explains how collecting...Scobie, Laura
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Blog post
‘Woman’s dress of dark blue cotton, Ukraine, c.1880’: the complex reality behind a simple description
Alongside the human cost of conflict, the nihilistic destruction of centuries of historic heritage in Ukraine has provoked alarm, outrage and offers of support across the international museum sector. At the outset of hostilities, we looked to provide practical support where we could. For example, in the supply of wooden...Breward, Christopher
Dress , Russia , Ukraine, Embroidery , and Textiles
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Blog post
Collecting a New Past
Museums have long been interested in collecting material culture of the present. Objects that demonstrate the design, technological, natural, and social stories and changes of today. More recently, ‘contemporary collecting’ has been given renewed attention as a specific approach to building museum collections. Georgia Vullinghs, Curator of Modern and Contemporary...Vullinghs, Georgia
Collections , Community Engagement, Contemporary Collecting, and Conservation
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Library Special Collections: Papers of Margaret Swain
Margaret Helen Swain (1909-2002) was a historian of embroidery and textiles. The author of several books and numerous articles, she also lectured widely, and her papers reflect these activities. Her early publications were on Ayrshire needlework but she became an expert on embroidery in general and Scottish work in particular....National Museums Scotland
tapestries, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Margaret Helen Swain, 1909-2002, National Trust for Scotland, Archives, and embroidery and textiles
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Blog post
Orientations: Queer imaginings and the Caithness doublet
In our Orientations series, members of the LGBTQIA+ community explore an object that resonates with their identity. We know our collections are filled with queer stories but often they can be hard to find (and even harder to prove). In looking for representation in museums, Joe Setch explores how the...Setch, Joe
Collections , Scottish History, Orientations , and LGBTQIA+
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Blog post
A little cup of happiness in search of a coco chocolatero
There’s nothing quite like a cup of hot chocolate. But have you ever had one from a coconut cup? Assistant Curator Dr Emily Taylor and Professor Kathleen Kennedy explore the origins and cultural background behind a ‘little cup of happiness’ in our collections – a coconut shell made into a...Taylor, Emily ; Kennedy, Kathleen
Collections, silver, Colonial Histories And Legacies , and coconut cup
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Robert Riddell manuscripts: A Collection of Scottish Antiquities Selected by R.R. Vol 11 1791
Ballads, with notes: Jock o’ Milk (p.1); Archie of Capeld (p.14); Lord Maxwell’s Goodnight (p.18); Sir Andrew Barton (p.20); Fair Helen of Kirkconnel (pp.29, 46); Lads of Wamphray (p.34); Lochmaben Harper (pp.39, 42); Fray of Soupart (p.55); Border Lament of the Union (p.59); Outlaw Murray (p.61); Laidley Worm (p.71); McNaughton...National Museums Scotland
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Library Special Collections: Robert Riddell Manuscript Collection Volume 8 (SAS 586). A journal of a tour in Scotland in 1789, made by Captain Grose and Captain Riddell.
Transcription of Robert Riddell Manuscript Collection Volume 8 (SAS 586). A journal of a tour in Scotland in 1789, made by Captain Grose and Captain Riddell.National Museums Scotland
Special Collections, journal transcription , exploration, and Archives
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Robert Riddell manuscripts A Collection of Scottish Antiquities, selected by R.R. Vol 2 1786
‘A collection of Scottish antiquities, selected by R.R. Vol.2d., 1786’: accounts of Border and other Scottish families (pp.1, 22, 25). ‘Scottish antiquities, historical and genealogical, collected by Capt. Robert Riddell....1786’ (p.69): genealogies and antiquities of various parts of Scotland; copies of early documents; account of raids on the Western Border...National Museums Scotland
journal transcription , exploration, Archives, and Special Collections
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Interactive resource
Chalcolithic and Bronze Age
The British Chalcolithic period is now widely recognised as beginning during the 25th century BC. It is marked by the appearance of the first metal artefacts, produced from copper and gold and the introduction of new material culture and other practices from the European Continent (Allen et al 2012; Parker...Sheridan, J A ; Knight, Matthew G
Chalcolithic, archaeological period, Early Bronze Age, Prehistoric Scotland, Late Bronze Age, Middle Bronze Age, and Research Framework
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Interactive resource
Early Medieval
This early medieval chapter deals with the period around AD 350–1058 and will follow a new structure which aligns with those used for the medieval and post-medieval chapters. In the past the period was often viewed as ‘the Dark Ages’ at the end of ‘prehistory’. The emphasis was on the...Strachan, David ; Maldonado, Adrián ; Hall, Mark ; Mitchell , Juliette
Research Framework, early medieval , archaeological period, and Scotland
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Blog post
Tartan trendsetting in our library catalogue
Tartan’s bold and sometimes scandalous history is retold in 19th century pattern books and trade catalogues at the National Museums Scotland Library that form part of our Special Collections. Assistant Librarian Jennifer Higgins puts the spotlight on several of these books to better understand how the mass adoption of Highland...Higgins, Jennifer
Tartan, Research Library , National Museum Of Scotland , National War Museum , Scottish Fashion , and Books
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Website
Whit's in a name: Scottish connections to mineral names
In mineralogy, as in other natural sciences, there are strict rules on the naming of mineral species. The vast majority of minerals are named after a person or a place. Many of these names have strong Scottish connections, while others are a little less obvious. The naming of minerals. In...Davidson, Peter
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Library Special Collections: National Museums Scotland Archives
National Museums Scotland Archives Incorporating: • Industrial Museum of Scotland • Edinburgh University Natural History Museum • Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art • National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland • Royal Scottish Museum • National Museums ScotlandNational Museums Scotland
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Robert Riddell manuscripts A Collection of Scottish Antiquities, selected by R.R. Vol 3
A collection of Scottish antiquities...Vol.3d., 1786’: accounts of English families and Cumbrian antiquities (p.2); ‘A dissertation on the ancient fortresses and castles in Scotland,’ by Riddell (p.58). ‘Historical and genealogical collections....1786’ (p.173): ‘Icolmkill,’ by the Earl of Buchan, 1786 (p.187) (not the same as the paper in Archaeologia Scotica., I).Lists...National Museums Scotland
journal transcription , exploration, Special Collections, and Archives
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Robert Riddell manuscripts A Collection of Scottish Antiquities, selected by R.R. Vol 6
‘1788’ (title page torn away). ‘A catalogue of great and learned men born in Dumfriesshire’ (p.36); a history of Sweetheart (pp.7, 52), with a satirical poem on William Copland of Colliston, who sold it for demolition (p.55); the ballad, ‘The Bedesman on Nithsdale’ (p.56); anecdotes of Prince Charles Edward (p.147);...National Museums Scotland
journal transcription , Special Collections, exploration, and Archives
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Blog post
Brooching questions: conserving a silver brooch from the Galloway Hoard
After spending over 1,000 years in the soils of Galloway, it’s no wonder objects from the Galloway Hoard needed some serious work before going on display. Bethan Bryan talks through the complex process of conserving a silver brooch, from mending “mini-volcanoes” of copper erosion to using porcupine quills and algae-derived...Bryan, Bethan
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Blog post
Riddle me a creepie and a cruik: Scots words for household objects
Many of our objects speak to the rich heritage of the Scots language. Whether you came to see our ‘flauchters’ or were ‘conflummixt’ by our collection of ‘creepies’ or ‘crusies’, many of these object names have a beguiling origin and unexpected uses far removed from their original purpose. In this...Taylor, Oliver
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Entangled Knowledges: Sharing collections in Albany
Since 2021 Ali and Andrew have been participating in a project which aims to highlight Menang Nyungar knowledge embedded in a historical collection of fishes and cultural objects and return this knowledge to the Menang community in Western Australia. Here they tell us about this collection, their recent visit to...Clark, Ali ; Kitchener, Andrew C
Research, Collections , Fish , and Colonial Histories And Legacies
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Blog post
Period products for a 21st century Scotland
Tampons, pads, and menstrual cups are everyday objects used by many though rarely considered noteworthy. But what can a group of period products say about the social and environmental concerns of Scotland today? Georgia Vullinghs, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary History, discusses some recent acquisitions relating to the campaign...Vullinghs, Georgia
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Blog post
Inspiring Women: Helen Monro Turner
Helen Monro Turner (1901 – 1977) was a hugely influential Scottish glass engraver, designer, educator, and illustrator, as well as a highly respected role model for women pursuing careers as glass artists, designers, and makers. Her prominence in 20th century British glass made important inroads in a field which, until...Rothwell, Sarah
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Blog post
“It’s good I’m Scottish!”: Scots and Scotland in the Doctor Who universe
The Scottish run of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder feels, if you’ll excuse the pun, very timely. Only a few weeks prior to the launch of the exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, we witnessed the sensational return of David Tennant as The Doctor. Then came the news that...Smith, David
Scottish connections, Exhibition, and Doctor Who Worlds Of Wonder
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Blog post
Winnie Drinkwater: the pioneering Scottish woman aviator
Scotswoman Winnie Drinkwater was not only the world’s first woman airline pilot but was also Scotland’s first woman to be a licensed aircraft engineer. Her achievements in the fledging aviation industry are even more remarkable since she made important inroads in a field with very few women. On the 100th...Brown, Ian
Aviation , Aviation History , and Civil Aviation
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Blog post
Doctor Zoo: the real-world taxonomy behind Doctor Who's monsters and aliens
Mark Gatiss, in his narration for the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition, astutely observes that the show is rooted in science. This is evident in its portrayal of alien life, including both monstrous creatures and humanoid allies. Dr. Vladimir Blagoderov, Principal Curator of Invertebrates, explores the expansive legendarium of...Blagoderov, Vladimir
Natural Sciences, Doctor Who Worlds Of Wonder , Invertebrate Biology , and Biology
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Blog post
The Majestic and the Mundane the material culture of coronations
With the approaching coronation of King Charles III, Georgia Vullinghs, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary History, has been looking at our collections of coronation material. From batons of ceremony and containers for holy oils, to souvenir cups, handkerchiefs, and biscuit tins, this range of material performs an important function...Vullinghs, Georgia
Coronation, Royal History , Scottish History, Politics, and Collections
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Interactive resource
Scottish material culture in historical coronations
On 6 May Charles III’s coronation will take place in Westminster Abbey – where English monarchs have been crowned since at least the 11th century. But Charles is not just king of England, he is king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as fourteen...Wyld, Helen
Scottish Material Culture, Coronations, Politics and Society, Fashion And Textiles, and Kings and Queens
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Other
‘An account of the ancient Lordship of Galloway’, R.R. Vol 7
‘An account of the ancient Lordship of Galloway …. To the year 1455’ (p.1); ‘A tour in Nithsdale, 1787, ‘ pts.i-iii (pp.59, 94, 203), illustrated with watercolours and engravings; ‘An excursion by Dr Clapperton to Lough Urr, 1787’ (p.248); list of barons and lairds in Dumfriesshire and Galloway (p.257); and...National Museums Scotland
journal transcription , exploration, Special Collections, and Archives
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Interactive resource
Neolithic
The appearance, probably shortly after 4000 BC, of a new lifestyle that was more sedentary than that of Mesolithic hunter-fisher-foragers marks the beginning of the Neolithic period in Scotland. This lifestyle was based on the use of domesticated plants and animals and featured fresh technology (pottery) as well as notably...Brophy, Kenny ; Sheridan, J A
Neolithic, archaeological period, Research Framework, and Prehistoric Scotland
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Interactive resource
'Contributions' by Knight, Matthew G In: Woolmer-White, Grace 'The Corrymuckloch Hoard'
In May 1995, the tenants of Corrymuckloch Farm, near Amulree, made a remarkable discovery (PKHER: MPK9219). Walking across rough pasture to the north of the farm whilst looking for stones for a rockery, they spotted what was at first taken to be a helmet in an area of boggy ground....Woolmer-White, Grace
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Blog post
Disability Histories: Our Stories
For Disability History Month, assistant curator Julie Holder brought together colleagues Georgia Vullinghs, Georgina Ripley and Sophie Goggins to highlight some of the objects in our collection connected to people in the past and present with disabilities, bodily differences or impairments.Holder, Julie
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Reflections on Rising Tide
In August 2023 Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania opened at the National Museum of Scotland. Here, members of the exhibition team consider how the design and build of the exhibition reflect its core themes, the Museum’s commitment to sustainability and how working with communities in the construction of...Clark , Ali ; Dawson, Jan ; Duffy, Declan ; Miller, Jane
community engagement, Learning, Collections, environmental issues, sustainability , and Exhibitions
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Blog post
North Sea oil and a medieval saint: what's the-connection?
National Museums Scotland’s contemporary collections reflect key social, cultural, political, artistic and environmental shifts in the world around us. Whilst researching the material culture of North Sea oil, Assistant Curator, Modern & Contemporary History, Dr Georgia Vullinghs explores the connection between a modern Scottish industry and a 12th century Saint.Vullinghs, Georgia
Contemporary Collecting , sustainability, and Scottish history
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Interactive resource
List of Extinct Birds in the Holocene
This is a unique list of bird species that have died out during the last 11,700 years of the Holocene, including English and Swedish names as well as references to the formal descriptions of the taxa. The taxonomy and sequence largely follows IOC when applicable, with priority given to the...Asplund, G ; Stervander, Martin ; Jirle, E ; M, Lagerqvist
extinction, bird species, Holocene, bird families, taxonomy, and genera
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