Montrose Museum

Montrose Museum opened in 1842 in Montrose, Angus, Scotland. The museum came into being when in 1841 the Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society started a fund to expand its space; in order to house its curiosities and wonders ranging from geological and ethnographical artefacts to a collection of natural history objects and fine art. It was accredited by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council in June 2009.[1]

Montrose Museum
Established1841
LocationPanmure Place, Montrose, Angus, DD10 8HE
DirectorAngus Alive
Website

The museum

From 1837[2] the collection was housed at a local school but in 1842 was moved into a purpose-built museum, one of the first of its kind in Scotland.[3] The museum is built of pink sandstone[4] in the neo-classical style, fronted by Ionic columns. Inside the collection is presented in a spacious atrium. From October 2009 it will undergo refurbishment and accessibility improvements and will reopen in 2010.[5] The refurbishment took longer than first anticipated and the museum didn't re-open until 1 March 2011, almost two years since the refurb began.

The collection

The collection includes archaeological finds from the Neolithic and the Bronze Age; stones from what was the Pictish civilisation of Circinn but is now Angus; and the Inchbrayock Stone, also Pictish and dating from 850-950AD. Their collection contains 38 Ancient Egyptian relics and objects from Thebes.[6] The history of the Burgh of Montrose is explored; afterwards featuring the life of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose and his larger role in Scottish history relating to his part first as Covenanter and then as Royalist and his part in the Jacobite Uprising.

The adjoining art gallery has featured the work of local artists including William Lamb, Edward Baird, James Barclay,[7] David Waterson,[8] Malcolm McCoig,[9] Rowena Comrie,[10] Maurice Forsyth-Grant,[11] Briony Anderson,[12] Jackie Gardiner,[13] Colin McPherson,[14] Ingrid A. Fraser,[15] Struan Hamilton,[16] Bella Green,[17] Fiona Turnbull[18] and Hetty Haxworth[19] as well as the work of the Original Art Group.[20] The work of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour including that of George Paul Chalmers is part of a short exhibition running from 26 September.[21]

In the mezzanine above maritime relics illuminate the history of the east coast whaling industry. This sits alongside an impressive array of model boats. There is interesting taxidermy of local wildlife and a small geology display with a collection of semi-precious agate stones, in a darkened room at the top of the building.

The Community

There are regular children's activities as well as occasional afternoon talks and evening events. The museum often features work by local groups in its art gallery.

In 2008 the Amici Wind Quintet from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama appeared at the museum.[22]

References
  1. Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. Retrieved on 23 August 2009.
  2. "Cornucopia". Cornucopia.org.uk. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  3. "Angus Council". Angus.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  4. "Culture24". Culture24.org.uk. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  5. "Culture24". Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  6. "Cornucopia". Cornucopia.orangeleaf.com. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  7. Retrieved on 23 August 2009
  8. Art Guide http://www.artguide.org/museums.php?id=1529385M. Retrieved 23 August 2009. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. "The Press & Journal". 14 August 2008. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  10. "Axis". Axisweb.org. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  11. Boulton, April. "Maurice Forsyth-Grant's Website". Forsyth-grant.com. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  12. Briony Anderson's Website. Retrieved on 23 August 2009.
  13. Jackie Gardiner's Website http://www.jackiegardiner.co.uk/40001/info.php?p=5&pno=0. Retrieved 20 October 2011. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. "Colin McPherson's Website" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  15. "Ingrid Fraser's Website". Ingridfraser.com. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  16. "Struan Hamilton's Website". Struanhamilton.com. 14 November 1971. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  17. Bella Green's Website. Retrieved on 23 August 2009. Archived 27 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  18. Forfar Dispatch. 8 July 2009 http://www.forfardispatch.co.uk/sv/NEW-ARTIST-EXHIBITS-AT-BANK.5439411.jp. Retrieved 20 October 2011. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  19. "Hetty Haxworth's Website". Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  20. http://www.original-art-group.homecall.co.uk/ Original Art Group website. Retrieved on 23 August 2009
  21. S1play http://www.s1play.com/venue/montrose/montrose-museum-and-art-gallery/. Retrieved 20 October 2011. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  22. "Montrose Review". Brechin Advertiser. 22 October 2008. Archived from the original on 11 September 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.

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