Residents invited to Aberdeen’s new collection centre to share stories of conflict and war

03 May 2017

Aberdeen Art Gallery is inviting residents of Aberdeen to share stories, photographs and artefacts which represent experiences during war and conflict.

The Gallery of Memories Sharing Day is designed to showcase real stories from people of Aberdeen and provide a true understanding of conflict while also offering education and learning through oral history.

The stories and artefacts will then feature as part of a digital exhibition on the Remembrance Hall balcony following its refurbishment.

There will be a number of activities on the day including objects with a military connection, a special behind the scenes tour of the new Museums Collection Centre and the opportunity to share a memory via telegram.

The event will be hosted at Aberdeen Treasure Hub on Granitehill Road in Northfield on 6 May between 10am to 2pm.

Tours will run at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm. As places on tours are limited, we recommend pre-booking by calling 01224 523677.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the Gallery of Memories can also contact Shona Elliott, Lead Curator (Collections Access), Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums, on 01224 523684 or email the Galleries of Memories team at memories@aagm.co.uk

The Gallery of Memories is one of a number of projects which will feature in the Remembrance Hall as part of Inspiring Art and Music £30million redevelopment project.

A new special artwork is being designed by artist Gordon Burnett to honour all those who served in war time and those who remained at home.

Work is also ongoing to create a fully digitised version of the City's Rolls of Honour, focusing on lives lost during the First World War to mark the 100 year commemoration.

Lists of names of Aberdonians who lost their lives will be projected on the wall opposite the new commission. The original Rolls of Honour books were on display on a marble shelf in the Remembrance Hall prior to closure, but pages were never turned. 

The redevelopment of the Remembrance Hall  is part of Aberdeen Art Gallery’s £30million Inspiring Art and Music project which is creating a fit-for-purpose, interactive and educational cultural complex to the city and I encourage everyone to be inspired by the work and support the campaign.