Scotland: A Changing Nation Gallery to Open
This summer a new gallery, Scotland: A Changing Nation, will bring together a captivating
range of Scottish stories, words, costumes, photographs, objects and film. Opening at the National Museum of Scotland on
11 July 2008, the permanent gallery will present a bold and innovative look at
modern Scotland over the last century.
Scotland: A Changing
Nation will
enable visitors to explore how cultural, social, political and economic influences
have impacted on people in Scotland from the First World War up to the present
day. The gallery features a diverse
collection of Scottish artefacts brought to life through poetry, literature,
film, music and interactive activities. More
than 25 accounts by people living and working in Scotland will be interwoven
into the gallery, which sees well-known personalities and ordinary people commenting
on everything from war and fishing to food and contemporary culture.
Scotland: A Changing
Nation focuses
on five central themes - war, emigration, industry, politics and entertainment. Visitors will be able to trace Scotland at
work, rest and play, discovering how influences from government and industry to
health and holidays [m1] defined our distinctive
culture,
humour and way of life. The final part of the gallery, Scotland: Today and Tomorrow, will
showcase Scotland's achievements in culture, medicine, sport,
business and innovation, ending on a note of celebration as Scotland continues
to evolve.
The
gallery will feature many familiar items from within our lifetime, such as a
howitzer shell which graced Glasgow's Queen Street
Station for many years and[m2] Irn Bru artwork
in Russian and Arabic, celebrating the global reach of Scottish brands. A [m3] Victoria Cross
medal belonging to Daniel Laidlaw, whose bravery was commended in piping his
comrades ‘over the top' in the Battle of Loos, indicates the dramatic impact of
war. Changing political climates are reflected
in items such as a suffragette badge and the First Coalition Agreement between
the Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Liberal Democrats. Etchings from Sue
Jane Taylor, depicting the lives of men at work on oil rigs including Piper
Alpha demonstrate how industry is part of the fabric of Scottish life.
David Forsyth, Senior Curator of Scottish Social
History, said:
"This is an incredibly
exciting project which brings together a diverse collection of material and the
experiences of Scots themselves. The
gallery explores the rich tapestry of what it means to be Scottish, presenting slices
of life from across the country which will fascinate and inspire our visitors."
Scotland:
A Changing Nation is part of the [m4] transformation
of the National Museum of Scotland. Part
of the building closed in April this year for a period of three years, as a key
phase of the £46.4million project. [m5] However more than
half of the building - including Scotland:
A Changing Nation - remains open, so that visitors can discover the
collections, enjoy events and see special exhibitions throughout the
refurbishment work.
For further information www.nms.ac.uk
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