Wednesday 21 June 2017

Visit to the National Museum of Scotland

On Wednesday, 21st June, Friends returned to Edinburgh to visit the new displays in the Chamber Street Museum. We were fortunate that we had an introduction by Alison Taubman, Principal Curator, Communications and Technology, to the Science and Technology galleries and by Godfrey  Evans, Principal Curator, European Decorative Arts , to the Art and Design galleries. There is so much to see in all the galleries that it was good to have their help in navigating them.
 We were told that there had been discussion with the public about what should be available and that many, who remembered the working models from their childhood visits, had asked for them to be restored. There are indeed working models:  John Elder’s engine for ships, a paddle steamer   and a hand prosthesis were a few of many. When we were there, the average age of the visitors must have been about 20!
Of particular interest in Art and Design were objects from the 10th Duke of Hamilton’s collection, a display of Phoebe Anne Traquair’s work and the display of costume through the ages including the Jean Muir collection.
Items from The Galloway Hoard had just been put on show so we were able to get an early look at silver items from this important find.
Three hours was only sufficient to allow us to get a taste of what is on show and we left intending to return another time. You may wish to explore the web site National Museum of Scotland
Thanks to Margaret Anderson for arranging this and to our driver Ian. 


Monday 5 June 2017

Visit to Glasgow Museums Resource Centre: June 2017


This year, the Friends assisted in the purchase of four portraits of members of the Glassford family. Dr Anthony Lewis met with 30 friends at GMRC to show the portraits and to explain their relationship to the Glassford family portrait which hangs in the People’s Palace. The portraits are of Mr and Mrs John Glassford and   Mr and Mrs Thomas Hopkirk.
© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection


We were also able to see the wine glass from the Hodge Podge club which was purchased with help from the Friends earlier this year.

More information about these objects is in the Newsletter which is sent to all members of FoGM.