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.
