Modern and Contemporary History
Our Modern and Contemporary History collections represent cultural, social, political, military and rural history in Scotland from c.1750 right up to the present day.
The collections document the impact and legacies of Enlightenment, industry and empire that marked the transformation of Scotland during the later-eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They chart a line through the major international conflicts and profound social shifts of the twentieth century, telling stories about continuity and change in Scottish life right up to the present day.
Notable collections include: Scottish decorative arts, from precious jewellery to glass and ceramics; unrivalled bagpiping collections and the material culture of working life, from ploughs to weavers’ tools. We hold extensive material representing military history and rural life, reflecting the strength of the foundational collections of the National War Museum and National Museum of Rural Life.
Our innovative contemporary collecting programme is focused on representing the twenty-first century with an emphasis on what is distinctive about Scotland in a globalised world, and of the regional and cultural differences within the country. We also actively collect objects that shed light on how the past continually shapes the present.
Meet the team
Modern and Contemporary History stories
Three tartan coats from the Georgian period
Fashion and textiles, Scotland
From military style jackets to informal housecoats, three tartan coats in our collection demonstrate the range of styles and uses of these garments in Georgian Britain.
The 'tappit hen': A drinking vessel used during the lifetime of Robert Burns
History and cultures, Scotland
These pewter drinking vessels were common in eighteenth century Scotland’s public houses because they were relatively cheap to make and could withstand use and, perhaps, abuse.The name ‘tappit hen’ is derived from the distinctive…
Tartan trendsetting in our library catalogue
Fashion and textiles
Written by Jennifer Higgins & Morven DonaldTartan’s bold and sometimes scandalous history is retold in 19th century pattern books and trade catalogues at the National Museums Scotland Library and Archives that form part of our Special Collections.Former Assistant Librarian Jennifer…