Departments
Global Arts, Cultures & Design
Welcome to the Global Arts, Cultures and Design department. We research and care for the art, design and cultural collections from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Our collections are open to researchers for research appointments. Please contact our staff to enquire.
Contact list of staff members
Global Arts, Cultures & Design
Our collections
Global Arts, Cultures and Design covers a wide range of objects from around the world, dating from the ancient to the present day.
Mediterranean, Africa, Americas and Oceania
Over 35,000 objects, including textiles, pottery, jewellery, sculpture, coffins, musical instruments, tools, weapons, basketry, and contemporary art.
Modern and Contemporary Design
Over 35,000 objects dating from c.1850 to the present, including ceramics, jewellery, glass, metalwork, fashion and textiles, craft, contemporary furniture and product design.
What we do
We explore international collections in collaboration with our diverse audiences with the aim of deepening understandings of Scotland’s relationship with the world.
Global Arts, Cultures & Design stories
- Discover
The cultural symbolism of monkeys and apes in 6 objects
Apes and monkeys are the closest relatives to humans. Our primate cousins have always held special significance for the cultures mostly directly in contact with them. This selection of objects from our collections exemplifies the powerful… - Discover
Ancestral Connections in Contemporary Niue Textiles
These two hiapo (barkcloth) artworks by artist Cora-Allan Twiss reference the natural landscape and textile traditions of Niue and Scotland. - Discover
Old square toes: A rare pair of British jack boots
In 18th century Europe, developing trends in male footwear made sure that riding boots were – in Nancy Sinatra's words – 'Made for Walking'.
