Delving into archives of Livingstone centre
The David Livingstone Birthplace Project is training a new generation of museum professionals thanks to an exciting initiative.
Coordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) and funded by the National Lottery, Lucy Brayson and Charlotte Roberts have joined the project team as part of the Skills for Success programme which looks to address the lack of accessible entry routes into museum jobs for non-university graduates.
The pair are working on a number of ‘hands on’ community projects, and are helping to catalogue the collection of over 3000 objects while the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre is closed to the public as construction work progresses on the much-anticipated Birthplace Project.
Lucy, of Wishaw, explained: “This opportunity is now allowing me to build on the history knowledge I gained at university, by exploring many aspects of social history through Livingstone.
“While the nature of the Birthplace Project will allow me to gain experience of many areas of the museums sector, my main tasks will be to deliver a temporary exhibition when the museum opens; work with the wider team to catalogue the DLC’S collection; and contribute to the delivery of the main museum.
“Ultimately, I hope the range of skills and knowledge that I develop here will help me secure a job in the museums sector.”
The Skills For Success programme sees 20 learners take on entry level positions in Scotland’s museums and galleries, while a further two have been offered management positions. They will each receive a £15,000 bursary and will complete an SVQ level 3 qualification in Museums and Galleries Practice with the support of mentors, supervisors and assessors.
The David Livingstone Centre and its 11-hectare grounds are in the process of being transformed into a world-class visitor attraction as part of the £6.1 million Birthplace Project. The Station Road site in Blantyre includes the iconic Shuttle Row mill-workers’ tenement where David Livingstone was born and raised.
The project – which is expected to be complete by 2020 – will include the renewal of the historic buildings, a newly interpreted exhibition which will showcase artefacts from the Trust’s collection of 3000 objects, and an upgrade of visitor facilities such as the café and shop.