Treasures from our Collections - January 2017

Treasures from our Collections - January 2017

As the new year begins, we will see continued developments being made on Aberdeen Art Gallery. To celebrate this, one of our January treasures is a selection of ephemera reflecting the rich history of the Gallery, such as the Programme of Proceedings on the occasion of the Re-opening of the Galleries by Sir George Reid, L.L.D., F.R.S.A., 8th April 1905.

Our next treasure is a chance to find out more about the work of a Victorian Aberdeen 'bird-stuffer', in our collection of George Sim's Journals. He was a naturalist, taxidermist, and antiquarian, and his fascinating natural history journals cover the period 1862-1900.

As 2017 is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, we are displaying an 1871 edition of the Diary of Samuel Pepys, possibly one of the most famous diaries in British history. It offers a wonderful insight into a turbulent and eventful period of history - 1660-1669 - and describes in detail the dramatic events of the Restoration of the Monarchy (1660), the Great Plague (1665), and the Great Fire of London (1666).

To celebrate the beautiful landscape of Scotland, as well as the anniversary of Robert Burns on 25 January, we are showcasing a beautifully illustrated work in two volumes on the history and landscape of Scotland by the physician, poet and writer William Beattie, Scotland Illustrated (1838). Immerse yourself in picturesque scenes influenced by the great Romantic writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns.

Our final treasure offers a chance to come face-to-face with some of Aberdeen's more prominent Victorians in the Todd Family Photograph Album (1858-65) which demonstrates some of the earliest examples of portrait photography in Scotland. The photographer was James Joseph Todd who captured the images of high society families.

If you have any questions or comments about the exhibition please use the comment button or get in touch at localstudies@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

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