National Museums Scotland listings
15 February– 29 March 2010
Highlights
Land Girls and Lumber Jills
National War Museum
26 February 2010 – February 2011
Included in Edinburgh Castle admission
This new exhibition tells the important story of the Women’s Land Army (WLA) and Women’s Timber Corps (WTC) in Scotland. From roots in the First World War, these Land Girls and Lumber Jills played a vital role in feeding the nation and providing timber. Objects include a formal uniform from the 1940s right up to the 2008 medal awarded to all surviving members of both the WLA and WTC.
This new exhibition tells the important story of the Women’s Land Army (WLA) and Women’s Timber Corps (WTC) in Scotland. From roots in the First World War, these Land Girls and Lumber Jills played a vital role in feeding the nation and providing timber. Objects include a formal uniform from the 1940s right up to the 2008 medal awarded to all surviving members of both the WLA and WTC.
‘Land girls’ took on all types of agricultural work from sowing to harvesting, calving to shearing, whilst the Women’s Timber Corps supplied the wood. Some volunteered but others were conscripted as by 1941 all women under the age of 60, without children under 14, could be called up for essential war work. Public recognition of the vital hard work and commitment from these women arrived in 2008 when they were issued with a medal which incorporated the designs from both the Land Army badge and that of the Timber Corps, along with a certificate of thanks from the Prime Minster.
Meet Your Maker
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
Fri 29 January – 14 March 2010
Free
Meet Your Maker takes you behind the scenes of the Scottish contemporary crafts scene showcasing the work of nine makers from across Scotland.
Working in situ, the makers will provide a fantastic insight into the processes behind the craft. Visitors are encouraged to chat with the makers, discuss their traditions and techniques and take away some ideas for their own creative work. There will also be the opportunity to purchase work by the makers. Featured crafts include jewellery-making, silversmithing, metal design, ceramics and glass work. A full list of makers can be found at www.nms.ac.uk/makerSir Jackie Stewart: World Champion – 1969, 1971, 1973
National Museum of Scotland
Free
National Museum of Scotland
Free
Proud Scots, motor-racing fans and sporting enthusiasts can now speed into the National Museum of Scotland to see the famous Formula One car belonging to three times Formula One World Champion and Scottish sporting legend, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his first World Drivers’ Championship in 1969 and Scotland’s Year of Homecoming 2009, Sir Jackie has loaned his 1971 World Championship-winning Tyrrell 003 car to the Museum for up to three years. The car has won eight Grand Prix races, more than any other individual car, and is displayed alongside Sir Jackie’s 1971 Monaco Grand Prix and German Grand Prix trophies, and his famous tartan-rimmed helmet.
Exhibitions
Garden Detectives
National Museum of Rural Life
Free with museum admission
National Museum of Rural Life
Free with museum admission
What lurks at the bottom of your garden? See the natural world through the eyes of a detective. Delve into hedges, take a peek in our shed and unearth wonders from our flower beds and pond. Explore habitats, study food chains, track animals and discover what they get up to while you’re asleep! Inspired by the work of Charles Darwin to mark his 200th birthday, Garden Detectives turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Take a larger-than-life look at plants and flowers, learn fascinating facts about nature and experience all the sounds and smells of a real garden, without getting your hands dirty. Darwin200 is a national programme of events celebrating Charles Darwin’s scientific ideas and their impact on society.
Fantastic Flight
National Museum of Flight
New permanent exhibition
Included in museum admission
National Museum of Flight
New permanent exhibition
Included in museum admission
Our three new hands-on galleries help you find out how aeroplanes fly, how they are built and the skills needed to fly them. Join in with over 25 activities to feel the force of lift, discover what planes are made of and test your own skills. Can you navigate your way around the world or land an aeroplane? Remember to try out the flight simulations – could you be a fighter pilot?
Get to grips with the mechanics of flight with buttons, dials, switches, propellers and wings. Look out for a Wright Brothers engine, the propeller from an aeroplane which flew over Everest and Sheila Scott’s record-breaking Piper Comanche, which she flew solo around the world. Let your imagination soar!
Fortunes of War
National Museum of Flight
New permanent exhibition
Included in museum admission
National Museum of Flight
New permanent exhibition
Included in museum admission
What was it like to serve at East Fortune airfield at different times in its history? Uncover the vivid human story of service at this military airfield from RAF crew, photographs, film and rare artefacts. You can see wings from an East Fortune Sopwith Cuckoo, and the original painted gate from the Royal Naval Air Station. Watch out for objects from the R34, East Fortune’s record-breaking airship, which flew to North America and back in the first-ever transatlantic crossing.
You can also discover how the airfield has changed with our interactive map, navigate an airship to find the enemy submarine and watch historic film footage. Models, aircraft parts, uniforms, and flying equipment combine to give you a very personal sense at what life was like at East Fortune.
Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories
National Museum of Scotland
Until 2011
Free
Until 2011
Free
This exhibition offers the chance to discover some of the most extraordinary treasures in the care of National Museums Scotland. Featuring over 300 objects drawn from the four corners of the globe and spanning across centuries, Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories celebrates the wonder and diversity of the National Museums’ world-class collections. From a Sumatran tiger to a Victorian corset, Treasured is an eclectic mix of the spectacular, extraordinary, precious and personal. The exhibition provides a link to the Royal Museum collections during closure, casting new light on familiar objects and also giving a first glimpse of some of the objects which will feature in the redeveloped National Museum of Scotland when it re-opens in 2011.
Events/activities
National Museum of Scotland
Talks and lectures
Extraordinary People
Wed 24 February
Early People gallery
19:00 (1hr)
£5 / £4 / Members free
Booking essential on 0131 225 7534
Dr Bill Manley, Senior Curator of Egyptian Scripts, reveals how our Ancient Egypt collections tell the story of the Museum in miniature. Explore the pioneering contributions of collectors such as Straton, Rhind and Ward.
Dr Bill Manley, Senior Curator of Egyptian Scripts, reveals how our Ancient Egypt collections tell the story of the Museum in miniature. Explore the pioneering contributions of collectors such as Straton, Rhind and Ward.
Curator’s Choice: Conquering the Atlantic
Fri 26 February
Dunfermline Room
14:00 (1hr)
£5 / £4 / Members free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Alistair Dodds, Principal Curator of Transport, tells the story of the first east-to-west Atlantic crossing in 1919, including the R34 airship’s departure from East Fortune Airfield, its arrival in New York, and the event’s aftermath.
Alistair Dodds, Principal Curator of Transport, tells the story of the first east-to-west Atlantic crossing in 1919, including the R34 airship’s departure from East Fortune Airfield, its arrival in New York, and the event’s aftermath.
Understanding Technology: Museums of Machinery
Thu 18 March
Dunfermline Room
15:00 (1hr 30mins)
Free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Professor Christine MacLeod from Bristol University explores how technology took shape in Edinburgh, London and Paris.
Professor Christine MacLeod from Bristol University explores how technology took shape in Edinburgh, London and Paris.
In association with the Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, University of Edinburgh.
Curator’s Choice: Out of the Box – Reaching New Audiences
Fri 26 March
Dunfermline Room
14:00 (1hr)
£5 / £4 / Members free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Christine McLean, Community Engagement Manager, talks about reaching out to people for whom visiting and using our museums can be a new and challenging experience.
Christine McLean, Community Engagement Manager, talks about reaching out to people for whom visiting and using our museums can be a new and challenging experience.
Special events
Ceilidh Culture Concerts
Sun 28 Mar
Sun 28 Mar
Hawthornden Court
12:45/13:45/14:45 (30mins)
Free
Celebrate Edinburgh Ceilidh Culture Festival 2010 with an afternoon of Scottish traditional music. Visit www.nms.ac.uk/events for the full line-up!
Edinburgh Ceilidh Culture runs from 26 March – 16 April. Visit www.ceilidhculture.co.uk
Weekend events
Sunday Morning Music
Sunday Morning Music
Sun 28 Feb
Level 1 Galleries
10:45 (1hr)
Free
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the galleries to the sounds of talented young musicians.
In association with Live Music Now Scotland.
Meet Your Maker Special Events
Exploring Ceramics with Fran Priest
Wed 17, Fri 19, Sat 20 February Thu 4, Sun 14 March
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Level 3
13:00 (45mins)
13:00 (45mins)
Free
Explore the themes of pattern and ornament and create mini-collections in these hands-on sessions. Places are limited – advance booking recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Explore the themes of pattern and ornament and create mini-collections in these hands-on sessions. Places are limited – advance booking recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
To book call 0131 225 7534
Mini Paper Sculptures with Libby Day
Sun 7, Sun 28 February
Sun 7, Sun 28 February
Hawthornden Court
12:00: 16:00 (Drop-in)
12:00: 16:00 (Drop-in)
Free
Come and try a new craft technique by making mini 3D paper sculptures with artist Libby Day. All materials provided.
Come and try a new craft technique by making mini 3D paper sculptures with artist Libby Day. All materials provided.
Sketches and Ceramics with Fran Priest
Mon 15 February
Mon 15 February
Hawthornden Court
12:00 – 16:00 (Drop-in)
12:00 – 16:00 (Drop-in)
Free
Explore Fran’s beautiful ceramic collection through sight, touch and sketching in this drop-in workshop.
Explore Fran’s beautiful ceramic collection through sight, touch and sketching in this drop-in workshop.
Valentine Treasures
Sat 13, Sun 14 February
Sat 13, Sun 14 February
Special Exhibitions Gallery, Level 3
12:00 - 16:00 (Drop-in)
12:00 - 16:00 (Drop-in)
Free
Need a Valentine’s gift with a personal touch? Get creative with artist and jeweller Dorothy Hogg and make a beautiful embossed card or treasure for someone special. All materials are provided.
Need a Valentine’s gift with a personal touch? Get creative with artist and jeweller Dorothy Hogg and make a beautiful embossed card or treasure for someone special. All materials are provided.
Story-craft with Pauline Edie
Tue 16, Thu 18 February
Hawthornden Court
12:00 - 16:00 (Drop-in)
12:00 - 16:00 (Drop-in)
Free
Pauline’s jewellery work is inspired by childhood stories and illustrations. Come and try out some simple designs in these themed workshops.
Pauline’s jewellery work is inspired by childhood stories and illustrations. Come and try out some simple designs in these themed workshops.
Half-term Events
A Slice of Life
Fri 19 – Sun 21 February
Levels 1, 3, 5
A Slice of Life
Fri 19 – Sun 21 February
Levels 1, 3, 5
11:00 – 13:00/
14:00 – 16:00
Free (Drop-in)
Step back in time and encounter everyday characters from Scottish history, all with a story to tell! Who will you meet today?
Step back in time and encounter everyday characters from Scottish history, all with a story to tell! Who will you meet today?
Traditional Games
Sat 20 – Sun 21 February
Hawthornden Court
Sat 20 – Sun 21 February
Hawthornden Court
12:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 / 15:45 (30mins)
Free
Join Big Top Glasgow for fun and games from a bygone age. Try out girds and cleeks, whips and peeries, diablos and many more!
Join Big Top Glasgow for fun and games from a bygone age. Try out girds and cleeks, whips and peeries, diablos and many more!
Weekend events
Connect Super Science Shows
Connect gallery
Every Sat and Sun
12:15/13:15/14:15/15:15 (20mins)
Age 5+
Limited space (seating for 20)
12:15/13:15/14:15/15:15 (20mins)
Age 5+
Limited space (seating for 20)
Free
Come along to our free events every weekend in Connect. Find out about science in the real world at our Meet the Scientist events or enjoy a Super Science Show!
Free Tours: Scottish Collections
Tours leave from the Hawthornden Court meeting point:
Highlights Tour (1hr)
Daily 11:30/13:30
Themed Tour (1hr)
Daily 14:30
Family Tour (15mins)
Sat 14:00
Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories Tour (1hr)
Tue 15:00/Fri 12:00
Information about topics for themed and family tours can be found on the museum’s information screens and on our websitewww.nms.ac.uk/tours.
National Museum of Rural Life
Spring
Spring
Spring Stargazing
Wed 17 Mar
Wed 17 Mar
19:00-21:00 (2hrs)
Booking essential 0131 247 4369
Try your hand at astronomy with the Clydesdale Astronomical Society and find out what the heavens have to offer in springtime (weather permitting).
Try your hand at astronomy with the Clydesdale Astronomical Society and find out what the heavens have to offer in springtime (weather permitting).
Museum addresses:
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF
National Museum of Costume, Shambellie House, New Abbey, Dumfries, DG2 8HQ
National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0131 225 7534/www.nms.ac.uk
For images or any further information please contact the press office on 0131 247 4391 or email [email protected]
Please note that National Museums Scotland (no ‘of’ or ‘the) is our corporate name. Our individual museums are called the National Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Flight, National Museum of Rural Life, National Museum of Costume and National War Museum.
Barbara Lyon
Marketing and Communications Assistant
National MuseumsScotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh EH1 1JF
http://www.nms.ac.uk
Marketing and Communications Assistant
National MuseumsScotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh EH1 1JF
T. +44 (0) 131 247 4391
F. +44 (0) 131 247 4307
E. b.lyon
http://www.nms.ac.uk
Meet Your Maker, the creative minds behind Scotland's crafts. National Museum of Scotland, 29 January - 14 March. www.nms.ac.uk/maker
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