For 150 years The McManus has collected, preserved, interpreted and displayed the City’s collection for the benefit of its visitors. As the museum celebrates its special anniversary this year, this exciting new exhibition provides a glimpse into how curators and conservators care for, research, store, document and conserve the City’s collections, revealing activity that often takes place behind closed doors. Dundee Preserves showcases some of the valuable work that is being done to research and document items that were previously little known or whose significance had been lost over time. The exhibition also examines the main agents of deterioration, common to all museum collections, and how staff work to minimise their risk.
Over the last ten years, staff have worked hard to become a fully accredited museum service - a rigorous procedure, overseen by the national body Museums Galleries Scotland, which ensures that museums follow best practice with policies and procedures in place to cover all of their work. All objects deteriorate over time, but with robust procedures, some basic housekeeping and access to specialist expertise it is possible to delay the inevitable and build collections that will last the test of time, for future generations to enjoy.
An eclectic mix of objects has been selected from the collection to highlight this fascinating and rewarding work. From an Egyptian Mummy Cartonnage to multiple trays of Moths, Paintings before and after conservation, Ceramics and Silverware, each has an exciting story to tell. Remember to vote for your favourite object – it might be the largest Sturgeon caught on the Tay -or suggest a name for our bonnie Atlantic Walrus when you visit!
Admission Free. Opening Times: Mon to Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12.30-4.30pm.
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