Ayrshire to take pride of place at national museum
Objects from Ayrshire will take pride of place in ten new galleries opening at the National Museum of Scotland on Friday.
A Jacquard weaving loom, thought to be by Joseph Hood of Newmilns and a 19th century snuff box from Mauchline featuring scenes from Tam O’Shanter will feature in the galleries, part of the 150th anniversary celebrations at the museum.
The Jacquard loom is an early mechanical machine, controlled by punch cards which allow hooks to raise the harness carrying the threads.
It was invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in France in 1801, and the Newmilns loom which will go on display was built in the first decades of the 19th century for weaving silk scarves.
It was used by two weavers from Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, brothers Robert and James Hamilton.
Gordon Rintoul, director of National Museums Scotland said: “It is fitting that in this, our 150th anniversary year, we unveil the latest phase in the transformation of the National Museum of Scotland.
“These ten major new galleries aim to excite and engage our visitors both today and for generations to come.
“I look forward to welcoming people to the galleries and hope that they will enjoy their visits and be inspired by our exceptional collections and innovative displays.”
Ayrshire man Sir Alexander Fleming will also feature in the new galleries, with a medal awarded to the Kilmarnock scientist for the discovery of penicillin included thanks to major funding from Wellcome, allowing part of the exhibition to focus on biomedical science.
Funding for the £ 14.1million redevelopment has also come from the Heritage Lottery fund and the Scottish Government.
Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs, said: “The opening of the ten new state- of- the- art galleries will significantly enhance the visitor experience for all ages.
“The National Museum of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the jewels in Scotland’s cultural crown, welcoming more than 8.5 million visitors since its reopening in 2011 making it the most visited museum outside of London for the past five years.”