Tag: National Museum of Scotland

Climate-themed exhibition of Oceanic art to open at the National Museum of Scotland

Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania (12 August 2023 – 14 April 2024) delves into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth.

This is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.  

The exhibition hosts the latest version of artist George Nuku’s installation, Bottled Ocean 2123, which imagines the state of the oceans 100 years into the future in an immersive, undersea landscape crafted from single use plastic bottles.

The artwork will address humanity’s unsustainable relationship with single use plastic, highlighting its impact on the natural environment and asking audiences to rethink their relationship with it. 

It was created with the assistance of around 400 people including museum visitors, staff and volunteers from youth and community groups across Edinburgh. The opening of the exhibition coincides with the withdrawal from sale of plastic-bottled water at  the National Museum of Scotland.

Rising Tide also marks the first display in Europe of a set of five kimono which make up an artwork entitled Song of Samoa, by internationally renowned artist Yuki Kihara, newly acquired by National Museums Scotland with the support of Art Fund. 

This exhibition considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.

Examples include work by master fisherman Anthony C Guerrero, who uses historic weaving techniques to make contemporary baskets from plastic construction strapping that is found littering his local beach in Guam.  

The vulnerabilities of Oceanic countries to climate change are highlighted, whilst showcasing the strength and resilience of their diverse communities.

Alison Clark, Senior Curator of Oceania at National Museums Scotland said:  “This exhibition takes visitors on an important journey of reflection and action. While Oceania may be far away from Scotland, the issues of rising sea levels and plastic pollution are global and their effects are also felt here in the UK.

“The exhibition presents a diverse range of responses from individuals in Oceania to climate threats that are relevant to our own lives. Whilst the climate change threat is both real and immediate, this exhibition also provides a sense of optimism for the future.” 

Rising Tide also features historical material from National Museums Scotland’s collections, such as spear points from the Kimberley region of Western Australia made by Aboriginal men from discarded glass bottles.

A recurring theme throughout the exhibition, these spear points demonstrate that Indigenous peoples in Oceania have always innovated, using materials found in their environment to make cultural objects.

Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 11–27 August 2023. 

edinburghartfestival.com/eaf-2023/ 

@edartfest 

#EdArtFest 

Ocean-themed artwork made from recycled plastic to be unveiled at the National Museum of Scotland

The artwork Bottled Ocean 2123, which imagines the state of the oceans 100 years into the future in an immersive, undersea landscape crafted from recycled plastic, has been installed at the National Museum of Scotland. 

The installation, created by the artist George Nuku with the assistance of around 400 people including museum visitors, staff and volunteers from youth and community groups across Edinburgh, will be unveiled to the public next month in the exhibition, Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania (12 August 2023 – 14 April 2024). 

The artwork will address humanity’s unsustainable relationship with plastic, highlighting its impact on the natural environment and asking audiences to rethink their relationship with it.  

Artist George Nuku said: “Plastic is a fascinating material. We think of it as new, with all the things we use it for. But, in fact, when you think about how it is made, from material created during the Earth’s ancient processes, that simple plastic bottle is in a way one of the oldest things around.

“And if you think about it that way, like an ancestor, then maybe you can start to think about treating it with respect instead of throwing it in the ocean.

“With the help of hundreds of local people, we’ve taken a pile of trash and made something beautiful.” 

Groups involved in creating the artwork included the Welcoming, an Edinburgh based charity supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, as well as students from Edinburgh College of Art and children from Granton Youth, and Pilton Youth and Children’s Project. 

Neil Hanna www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

Dr Ali Clark, Senior Curator Oceania and the Americas said: “We’ve really enjoyed and appreciated working with George Nuku on the installation of Bottled Ocean 2123, and with the many local people and volunteers who have helped with its installation through our community outreach work.

“It makes a fantastic, thought-provoking artwork for the exhibition and we look forward to people’s reactions when it opens next month.” 

The exhibition will delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.   

This exhibition considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.

It will also host the first display in Europe of a set of five kimono which make up an artwork entitled Song of Samoa, by internationally renowned artist Yuki Kihara, newly acquired by National Museums Scotland with the support of Art Fund. 

Examples include work by master fisherman Anthony C Guerrero, who uses historic weaving techniques to make contemporary baskets from plastic construction strapping that is found littering Guam.   

Rising Tide also features historical material from National Museums Scotland’s collections, such as spear points from the Kimberley region of Western Australia made by Aboriginal men from discarded glass bottles. A recurring theme throughout the exhibition, these spear points demonstrate that Indigenous peoples in Oceania have always innovated, using materials found in their environment to make cultural objects. 

Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 11–27 August 2023.  

edinburghartfestival.com/eaf-2023/ .  

The exhibition is supported by a programme of events including a series of morning curator tours in August which take place before the museum opens to the public.  

@edartfest  

#EdArtFest  

PICTURES: Neil Hanna

A concert and a drink

Scottish Ensemble returns to light-filled venues across Scotland for their sophomore Concerts for a Summer’s Night tour

‘A fine mixture of well-known favourites and amazing new pieces all perfect for a summer night’s entertainment‘

‘Please make this an annual event, we loved it so so much. Really wonderful, music to soothe the soul.‘

Audience Reviews on Concerts for a Summer’s Night 2022

  • Concerts for a Summer’s Night will be performed in Perthshire, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow from the 19th – 23rd June.
  • Returning after its debut last year, this concert series promises a variety of uplifting and inspiring compositions, selected by Artistic Director Jonathan Morton.
  • Scottish Ensemble are announcing their 2023-24 season alongside this tour -– audiences will be able to pick up a copy of the new season brochure on arrival, getting first access to next year’s shows.
  • Audiences are invited to enjoy a welcome drink on arrival at the venue, then sit back relax and let Scottish Ensemble take them on a vibrant and vivid musical journey.

Scotland’s leading string ensemble will be returning to light– filled venues across Scotland in June for their latest Concert’s for a Summer’s Night tour.

Each concert will be presented in an open atmospheric space, where sunlight pours in through wide windows. Audiences will enjoy the late evening sunshine, as the natural light slowly fades throughout the concert, providing an immersive experience of the music that evolves over time.

Performing at Rossie Byre, Strathpeffer Pavilion, Aberdeen Art Gallery, The National Museum of Scotland, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Concerts for a Summers Night promises a unique evening of musical delights, in beautiful and inviting spaces.

The concert series made its debut last summer and is a companion to Scottish Ensemble’s annual Concerts by Candlelight tour which visits stunning churches and cathedrals across Scotland in December for an intimate and restorative musical experience bathed in comforting candlelight.

After the success of its 2022 tour, performing to sold– out audiences in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Concerts for a Summer’s Night is back, with an additional date in Strathpeffer for Highland audiences.

Concerts for a Summer’s Night features an atmospheric programme, curated by Scottish Ensemble’s Artistic Director, Jonathan Morton.

Having led Scottish Ensemble for almost 20 years, Jonathan has forged a trademark programming style that seamlessly combines varied short works of string repertoire into a delicately crafted collage of sound, bringing audiences on a journey through different composers, eras and genres of string music.

This year’s programme includes music by familiar names including Claude Debussy, Frederic Choipin and Maurice Ravel alongside a variety of more unexpected pieces from composers including Isobel Waller-Bridge, Chick Corea and Britta Byström.

This programming style prioritises the atmosphere of the performance and finds unexpected connections between classic works of string repertoire and contemporary compositions, offering listeners an opportunity to be introduced to new pieces, and to discover new favourite composers. Audiences will be swept away by Scottish Ensemble’s skilled musicians on a journey of sonic discovery.

Alongside their Concerts for a Summers Night tour, Scottish Ensemble will be announcing their 2023-24 Season, which goes on sale on 19 June.

With six Scottish tours, as well as festival visits, performances in schools and the continuation of their long running series of Music for Wellbeing concerts in Maggie’s Centres, Scottish Ensemble are preparing for a bold new season.

Audiences,  who can arrive from 7.15pm for Concerts for a Summer’s Night, will be treated to a copy of the Season Brochure, and, whilst enjoying a welcome drink, will have an opportunity to discuss the new shows with Scottish Ensemble’s team.

Join Scottish Ensemble this June for a musical celebration of the summer solstice and enjoy a wide programme of contemporary and classical music in beautiful lit venues at Concerts for a Summer’s Night – touring to Perthshire, Strathpeffer, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Listings information

  • 19 June, 8pm  – Rossie Byre, Perthshire
  • 20 June. 8pm – Strathpeffer Pavilion
  • 21 June, 8pm – Aberdeen Art Gallery
  • 22 June, 8pm – National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
  • 23 June, 8pm – Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Tickets £19, Concessions £9 (plus booking fees)

Doors open at 7.15pm for welcome drinks, concert begins at 8pm.

Declaration of Arbroath goes on display for the first time in 18 years at the National Museum of Scotland

Saturday June 3 to Sunday 2 July 2023

Admission: Free

nms.ac.uk/declaration

#DeclarationOfArbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath has gone on display at the National Museum of Scotland for the first time in 18 years.

The display has been organised in partnership between National Museums Scotland and National Records of Scotland, who are custodians of the Declaration. The famous document will be on show from 3 June to 2 July 2023.

The Declaration of Arbroath was last displayed 18 years ago at the Scottish Parliament. The iconic and fragile 700-year-old document, which is cared for and preserved for future generations by National Records of Scotland, can only be displayed occasionally in order to ensure its long-term preservation.

The Declaration was due to be displayed in April 2020 to coincide with its 700th anniversary, but this was postponed due to the pandemic. The new summer date has been chosen to give as many people as possible the rare chance to see one of Scotland’s most important historical documents.

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320, written by the barons and freeholders of Scotland, on behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland, to Pope John XXII asking him to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.

The letter also asks the Pontiff to persuade King Edward II of England to end hostilities against the Scots, so that their energy may be better used to secure the frontiers of Christendom.

The Declaration was probably drafted at a meeting of the King and his council at Newbattle, then written up in the scriptorium of Arbroath Abbey. Written in Latin, it was sealed by eight earls and about 40 barons. It was authenticated by seals, as documents at that time were not signed. Only 19 seals now remain.

Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland said, “It is great to be able to display the Declaration of Arbroath here at the National Museum of Scotland, the home of our nation’s material history and the country’s most visited attraction.

“We look forward to welcoming many visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing this hugely significant document in person.”

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is of great historic and cultural interest to people living in Scotland as well as the sizeable Scottish diaspora around the world.

“I hope people from across the country, and further afield, will take this rare opportunity to visit our wonderful national museum to view this iconic document which has played such an important part in the history of our country.”

Dr Alan Borthwick, Head of Medieval and Early Modern Records, National Records of Scotland, said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is one of the most significant documents we have in our collections.

“At National Records of Scotland we are hugely proud of the role we play in conserving it to ensure it is still here for future generations to see and study.

“We hope people from Scotland and beyond will take this rare opportunity to see it for themselves.”

The Declaration was written during the long Wars of Independence with England when, despite the Scots’ success at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert I had not been recognised as king by either Edward II or by the Pope, and had been excommunicated by the latter.

At this time, the Pope desired peace between England and Scotland, so both could help in a crusade to the Holy Land. The Declaration sought to influence him by offering the possibility of support from the Scots for his long-desired crusade if they no longer had to fear English invasion.

After receiving the Declaration, the Pope urged reconciliation between the warring sides and a truce was agreed in 1323. A peace treaty was signed between England and Scotland in March 1328 and the following year the Pope issued a papal bull permitting the anointing and crowning of a King of Scots.

The peace was short-lived, however, as the Second War of Independence broke out in 1332 and went on for 25 years.

Dino-saur into the Edinburgh Science Festival final weekend with EarthFest

Dino-sauring into Edinburgh Science Festival 2023’s final weekend, the National Museum of Scotland is hosting the second of the Festival’s themed family weekends: EarthFest.

From prehistoric creatures to the cutting edge of climate science, EarthFest is a t-rriffic celebration of the world around us that offers the chance to learn more about our planet, the animals that live here and how we can take care of it. 

Families can build their own dinosaur from giant bones in the Grand Gallery’s drop-in activities zone, and adventure through a world of sustainability in Two in a Barrel. 

PICTURED: Thane Elders (age 7) getting ready for EarthFest this weekend at the National Museum of Scotland.

Taking root in the city: Edinburgh Science Festival kicks off this weekend

www.sciencefestival.co.uk Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube  

Edinburgh Science Festival is setting down its roots in the city today, as the 2023 edition of the Festival kicks off on Saturday, 1 April.

This year’s theme – Let’s Experiment – will see Edinburgh transformed into a living laboratory, with a jam-packed programme of hands-on science for people of all ages at 31 venues across the city. 

One of the Festival’s flagship venues, the National Museum of Scotland, houses Trees of Life in its Grand Gallery from 1 April, presented as part of the Experimental Life interactive activity.

Created by Edinburgh-based We Throw Switches in collaboration with Berlin-based artist Robin Baumgarten and award-winning composer and artist Luci Holland, Trees of Life is a specially commissioned, playable, interactive installation that explores Charles Darwin’s revolutionary theory of evolution through natural selection.

It is supported by Lumo and developed with support from Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.  

The National Museum of Scotland also hosts two themed weekends of family fun bookending the Festival. FutureFest (1-2 April) celebrates technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, coding, computers and space, offering children and families the chance to take a moment to wonder at the stars in a pop-up planetarium and create their vision for the future with LEGO® Build the Change.  

From prehistoric creatures to the cutting-edge of climate science, EarthFest (15-16 April) is a celebration of the world around us that offers the chance to learn more about our planet, the animals that live here and how we can take care of it.

Learn about animal intelligence in the interactive Amazing Animals show and build your own dinosaur skeleton with giant bones. 

2023 programme in a PDF form here 

Declaration of Arbroath to go on public display at the National Museum of Scotland

Declaration of Arbroath to go on Public Display for the First Time in 18 Years at the National Museum of Scotland

Saturday June 3 to Sunday 2 July 2023 – Admission Free

nms.ac.uk/declaration

#DeclarationOfArbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath will be displayed at the National Museum of Scotland this summer for the first time in 18 years.

The display has been organised in partnership between National Museums Scotland and National Records of Scotland, who are custodians of the document. The famous document will be on show from 3 June to 2 July 2023.

The document has not been on public display for 18 years, when it was last displayed at the Scottish Parliament. The iconic and fragile 700-year-old document, which is cared for and preserved for future generations by National Records of Scotland, can only be displayed occasionally in order to ensure its long-term preservation.

The Declaration was initially due to be displayed in April 2020 to coincide with its 700th anniversary, but this had to be postponed due to the pandemic. The new summer date has been chosen to give as many people as possible the rare chance to see one of Scotland’s most important historical documents.

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320, written by the barons and freeholders of Scotland, on behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland, to Pope John XXII asking him to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king.

The letter also asks the Pontiff to persuade King Edward II of England to end hostilities against the Scots, so that their energy may be better used to secure the frontiers of Christendom.

The Declaration was probably drafted at a meeting of the King and his council at Newbattle, then written up in the scriptorium of Arbroath Abbey. Written in Latin, it was sealed by eight earls and about forty barons. It was authenticated by seals, as documents at that time were not signed. Only 19 seals now remain.

Alice Blackwell, Senior Curator of Medieval Archaeology and History at National Museums Scotland said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to display the Declaration of Arbroath here at the National Museum of Scotland.

“It is a hugely significant document and a vital piece of Scotland’s history. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing this iconic document close up.”

Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is of great historic and cultural interest to Scots and people around the world of Scottish descent.

“The display of this iconic document will give people from across Scotland and further afield a wonderful opportunity to visit the museum and see this important piece of history for themselves.”

Laura Mitchell, Deputy Keeper, National Records of Scotland, said: “The Declaration of Arbroath is a key treasure in our extensive collections and we are proud of the role we play in conserving this significant historical artefact for future generations.

“The display will allow Scots and visitors from further afield to see this famous document for the first time in 18 years.”

The Declaration was written during the long Wars of Independence with England when, despite the Scots’ success at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert I had not been recognised as king by either Edward II or by the Pope, and had been excommunicated by the latter.

At this time, the Pope desired peace between England and Scotland, so both could help in a crusade to the Holy Land. The Declaration sought to influence him by offering the possibility of support from the Scots for his long-desired crusade if they no longer had to fear English invasion.

After receiving the Declaration, the Pope urged reconciliation between the warring sides and a truce was agreed in 1323. A peace treaty was signed between England and Scotland in March 1328 and the following year the Pope issued a papal bull permitting the anointing and crowning of a King of Scots.

The peace was short-lived, however, as the Second War of Independence broke out in 1332 and went on for twenty-five years.

nms.ac.uk/declaration

#DeclarationOfArbroath

New images by David Eustace are revealed as tickets for Beyond the Little Black Dress go on sale

Tickets for the National Museum of Scotland’s summer exhibition Beyond the Little Black Dress go on sale tomorrow, Friday 3 March.

Tickets for the National Museum of Scotland’s summer exhibition Beyond the Little Black Dress go on sale tomorrow, Friday 3 March, 2023. 

The major fashion exhibition, which runs from 1 July to 29 October 2023, demonstrates how an iconic wardrobe staple has become a blank canvas for designers to convey political and cultural ideas.  

When Coco Chanel introduced her simple short black dress in 1926 it was hailed by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear”. From Chanel’s pioneering day dress through to innovative modern creations, the exhibition uses the lens of the ‘LBD’ to explore representations of gender, race, sexuality and subcultural styles. 

Featuring classic fashion houses such as Dior, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent, Beyond the Little Black Dress also includes garments from contemporary designers like Comme des Garçons, Maximilian, Molly Goddard and Gareth Pugh. 

To mark tickets for Beyond the Little Black Dress going on sale, a pair of images by photographer David Eustace have been unveiled.  

Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator of Modern and Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland said: “We are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for our biggest ever fashion exhibition, Beyond the Little Black Dress.

“These new images by David Eustace, one of Scotland’s best known photographers, give visitors an exciting taste of what they will see in the exhibition. Featuring two looks by groundbreaking British designer Gareth Pugh, they demonstrate how contemporary designers are subverting expectations and putting their own mark on a wardrobe staple.” 

The photographs show Scottish model Zelda Smyth in two striking Gareth Pugh dresses, which will be featured in the exhibition. One is hand-embroidered with black plastic drinking straws and the other embellished with bin bags woven into extraordinary forms. The ‘neo-goth’ designer regularly challenges classical fashion norms and uses unexpected materials to disrupt the conventions of high fashion. 

David Eustace said: “Beyond the Little Black Dress explores how designers are really pushing the creative boundaries to challenge what we think we know about an iconic garment, and that’s particularly evident in these two striking dresses by Gareth Pugh.

“Little black dresses made of bin bags or plastic drinking straws might not immediately evoke a sense of glamour, but their clever construction, the manner in which they move and the way the light plays on the materials transforms them into high fashion pieces worthy of the red carpet. They were a joy to photograph and I look forward to seeing them on display in this unique exhibition.” 

Sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Beyond the Little Black Dress spans a century of fashion, considering the role of the colour black in a global context. The issue of sustainability of the fashion industry is pulled into focus, looking at the future of production, including garments that utilise smart technologies.

Black British design is celebrated through looks from Maximilian, A-COLD-WALL* and Joe Casely-Hayford among others. 

Beyond the Little Black Dress will be accompanied by a publication and programme of events. Tickets will be available to book at www.nms.ac.uk/littleblackdress.  
 
National Museums Scotland Members free.  

Book in advance to save, general admission: Adult £12-14.50, Over 60s £10-12.50, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot £7.50-10, Under 16s Free, Carers Free 

Discounts available for groups of 10 or more 

18th century clan portraits go on display at the National Museum of Scotland

Two portraits of important members of the Chief of Clan Grant’s household are now on display in the National Museum of Scotland.  

The oil paintings by Richard Waitt were commissioned in 1713 by Alexander, the Laird of Grant, as part of a larger series depicting prominent clan members. They were created for Castle Grant, the chief’s seat near Grantown-on-Spey, intended to impress visitors and convey the Laird’s traditional authority and status as a Highland chieftain.  

Shown wearing distinctive Highland dress, the subjects are ‘The Piper’ and ‘The Champion to the Laird of Grant’. The bagpipe and the basket-hilted sword are symbols of their ceremonial positions, emblematic of traditional clan values and customs. 

The ‘Piper’ is William Cumming who was from at least seven generations of Cummings pipers to the Grants. He flies the heraldic banner of the Grants, with Castle Grant in the background.

The ‘Champion’ is Alasdair Mòr Grant, the strongest fighter in the clan, who managed the Laird’s timber business. His combined roles hint to a changing clan society as the shift in land use saw Highland chiefs become landlords.  

Principal Curator, Renaissance and Early Modern History, Dr Anna Groundwater said: “We are grateful to Reidhaven Trust for the long-term loan of Richard Waitt’s portrait of ‘The Champion to the Laird of Grant’. We are delighted that it has been reunited with ‘The Piper’ and is now on permanent display, as they once were in Castle Grant.

“This is not a romanticised version of an imagined past – the figures in their Highland dress are documented as they looked at the time. Together they provide an insight into clan society from a time when this way of life was on the wane.” 

Both works are now on display in the Scotland Transformed gallery at the National Museum of Scotland. They accompany objects relating to the Jacobite challenges, including Bonnie Prince Charlie’s silver travelling canteen, a targe that also belonged to the prince, and regimental colours from both Jacobite and Hanoverian regiments carried into battle at Culloden. 

Beyond the Little Black Dress

Saturday 1 July to Sunday 29 October 2023 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 

nms.ac.uk/littleblackdress 

#BeyondLBD 

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will deconstruct the little black dress, examining the radical power of the colour black in fashion. From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, Beyond the Little Black Dress (1 July to 29 October 2023) will bring together more than 60 striking looks from collections and designers around the world.  

The colour black can be interpreted in many subtle and often contradictory ways. The exhibition will explore how its complexities have made the little black dress simultaneously expressive of piety and perversion, respect and rebellion; from the well-mannered cocktail attire of the early 20th century to the leather and latex worn by members of punk and fetish subcultures. 

 Beyond the Little Black Dress will open with a simple, short black dress designed by Coco Chanel in 1926. Considered radically modern, it disregarded convention entirely in both the stark design and sombre shade, that had traditionally been associated with mourning.

At the time it was hailed by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear”. The ‘little black dress’ became a wardrobe staple, a symbol of femininity and a byword for chic, with each new silhouette capturing the spirit of its time.  

The little black dress remains a blank canvas for broader political and cultural shifts. It can challenge social norms around race, gender and sexuality to reflect evolving ideals of beauty and identity, proving its infinite capacity for reinvention.   

Visitors to Beyond the Little Black Dress, which is sponsored by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers, will discover a century of fashion in a series of themed, immersive displays. Iconic early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Jean Muir will be juxtaposed with recent looks by ground-breaking contemporary designers and brands like Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White.  

Areas of the exhibition will be dedicated to highlighting Black British designers whose work explores both Blackness in terms of identity, and the role the colour black plays in crafting a futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic. Elsewhere, the exhibition considers how perceptions of the colour black differ in a global context, as well as how the intervention of smart technologies are establishing a blueprint for a more sustainable future.  

Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “Few garments are as iconic as the little black dress, which has often been held up by the fashion industry as the one piece every woman should have in her wardrobe.

“It has evolved dramatically in the century since its creation. From a simple shift dress which helped democratise women’s fashion to a bold political statement, it has moved through various iterations which reflect changing ideals of beauty and body image.

“Displaying classic couture, avant-garde pieces and garments that make a political statement, this exhibition will explore its enduring success, and ask why, in the fickle and fast-paced fashion world, the little black dress has achieved that rare status of being truly above the fray.” 

Sam Pattman, Philanthropy Manager at Baillie Gifford Investment Managers said: “We are delighted that our successful relationship with National Museums Scotland continues with our support for Beyond the Little Black Dress.

“This exciting exhibition takes a fresh look at a timeless classic, examining how it has remained in style for nearly a century and displaying a dazzling selection of garments from those worn by royalty to truly avant-garde creations at the cutting edge of the fashion industry.” 

National Museums Scotland’s internationally significant fashion and textiles collection comprises around 50,000 objects and is one of the largest in the UK.

The collection includes textiles dating back to the 14th century and clothing and accessories dating from the 16th century to the present day. Beyond the Little Black Dress follows the acclaimed exhibition Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk. 

The exhibition is curated by Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland, Dr Sequoia Barnes, Guest Curator and Carys Wilkins, Assistant Curator Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland.

It will be accompanied by a publication and programme of events.