Annual Dinner for Patrons of National Museums Scotland
9 October 2009
In October 2009, Sir Angus Grossart, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, and Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums
Scotland, welcomed our Patrons at this special occasion. Chantal
Knowles, Principal Curator of Oceania, Americas and Africa gave an
insightful presentation about the World Cultures galleries, which
are part of the Royal Museum Project, and guests were given the
opportunity to see and handle some of the objects that have
previously not been on display.
The Annual dinner is a regular special event in the Patrons’
calendar and provides the perfect opportunity for Patrons to
celebrate the achievements their support allows, amongst good
company and fine food.
Patrons' Studio Visit
16 February 2010
In the company of Rose Watban, Senior Curator of Applied Art and
Design, Patrons enjoyed a studio tour with Leith-based artist and
Ceramicist, Frances Priest. Frances’s work featured in the popular
Meet Your Maker exhibition at the
National Museum of Scotland in Spring 2010, which gave a
fascinating insight into the Scottish contemporary crafts
scene.
Frances’ work has been shown across the UK and in many different
countries. It is included in collections at the Victoria &
Albert Museum and the Fitzwilliam Museum as well as at the National
Museum of Scotland. Travels in Japan, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
were the inspiration for the Gifts and Occupations collection,
which was specially expanded for the Meet Your Maker
exhibition.
The group lunched at the nearby Malmaison brasserie, with some
time to hear more from Frances personally and more about the
Applied Art and Design collections from Rose.
Patrons' Preview of the Shetland Fiddle
9 March 2010
Patrons enjoyed the exclusive opportunity to preview a Shetland
Fiddle, newly commissioned for the new galleries at the National
Museum of Scotland and the group was among the first to hear it
played. Special guest Aly Bain declared the instrument an excellent
example of fiddle-making and gave a memorable performance of
Shetland and Scottish tunes.
Dr Henrietta Lidchi, Keeper of World Cultures, and Susan
Lewandowski, Assistant Curator of Ethnomusicology, were on hand to
discuss the commission and the importance of music in the
collections of National Museums Scotland at this evening drinks
reception.