Dundee’s permanent collection was established in 1869 and today it numbers some 150,000 objects that reflect the history of the City and its surroundings. The collection continues to grow and this exhibition showcases a selection of objects acquired for the museum collection in the past ten years.
Their range reflects our varied museum collections spanning social history, archaeology and natural history. They also highlight the different ways in which we collect for the City. From archaeological finds to natural history specimens and industry to community life, there is a Dundee story for everyone to delve into.
Where?
The McManus: Dundee Art Gallery and Museum - until 20th October
MIX UP REVIEWS:
Stewart - ★★★★★
"The McManus always provides an excellent visit for a curious mind, this latest exhibition has new additions to the collection. Highlights for me included flyers from The Beatles visit to Dundee in the ‘60s, an early Dundee Pride poster, details of the Yes/No independence campaigns, some choice new objects (my boy loved the old Fire bucket) and best of all some quirky fashion outfits, perfect Dundonian-style. The Stella McCartney / Dandy Beano collaboration is brilliant.
Meanwhile the family room across from the gallery is worth a visit, with arts & crafts, books, activities and even the chance to dress up. In here you’ll also find the child focused leaflets created for the Dundee Women’s Trail – a series of 25 plaques around the city dedicated to females who have contributed in one way or another to the city.
Of particular interest is Grissell Jaffray, the last woman in Dundee to be falsely accused of witchcraft. Her plaque can be found on Peter Street, between two mosaic art works on the ground that depict her punishment. I’ve walked past this a few times without quite realising the gravitas of their importance. I’m currently reading Ashes & Stones by Allyson Shaw, a powerful journey through the stories of women falsely accused of witchcraft in Scotland and the differences in renditions each city, town and village has in respect to them today.
Across from the McManus gallery is an ominous grand old cemetery, the Howff – if you can find it, there’s a stone that sits in the cemetery for Jaffray – though unlikely to be her actual gravestone. If you place coins on the stone in her honour, it is said to bring you good luck. There was a lot of coins already on there when we arrived so there are people out there very aware of its existence. So a very intriguing and interesting addition to our excellent little trip through Dundee history."
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