The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Project to find out whose pockets funded museum
The McManus celebrates 150 years by looking back at its origins
A project has been launched to find out more about the original 168 funders who made the building of an iconic city art gallery possible.
McManus 168, a supporters group which celebrates the Dundee museum of the same name, is collaborating with two of Scotland’s most prominent historians to dig up as much detail as possible on the original subscribers.
Founded in 1867, the museum was originally called the Albert Institute, with grocers, hecklers, waiters, ship’s chandlers, dyers, bleachers and flax spinners among the city’s residents to contribute small sums to make it a reality.
Professor of Economic and Social History at Glasgow University, Jim Tomlinson, and Chris Whatley, professor of Scottish History at Dundee University, will work on the project with a number of specialists and archivists alongside the volunteers.
Professor Whatley said very little is known about the “middle class” donors who “spearheaded” the campaign to establish the museum.
He said: “Funding for the Albert Institute came largely from private, voluntary subscriptions in the community.
“In the forefront were the owners of Dundee’s linen and jute works. But as striking were the contributions that came from the pockets of the people.
“The bulk of the subscriptions came from what today we’d call the middle classes – the proprietors of small businesses, merchants, lawyers, teachers and the like.
“But about them we know very little. Yet these were the people who spearheaded the campaign for the Albert Institute – envisaged as a library and art gallery for the city’s inhabitants.
“It is intended to discover who the subscribers to this hugely ambitious building were, and what motivated them to contribute.”
The project is part of the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the museum being established in 1867 and has been funded with a £10,000 grant by Heritage Lottery.
Sue Moody chairwoman of the project planning team added: “This project is about bringing people together to enjoy exploring Dundee’s heritage.
“Anyone can take part – everyone who does will contribute to a lasting legacy for The McManus, still going strong after 150 years.”
The effort was launched yesterday in a ceremony at The McManus with new Lord Provost Ian Borthwick in attendance alongside members of the supporters group.
Anyone interested in taking part in the McManus 168 project, or wants to hear more, can email Sue Moody via moodysue784@gmail.com.
Anyone can take part – everyone who does will contribute to a lasting legacy for The McManus ... SUE MOODY