Our Own Shows
Some of our past exhibitions have been curated by Shetland Museum and Archives staff, or have been on loan for special display from national or international institutions.
We are proud to have a facility capable of exhibiting high profile, exiting shows which gives people in Shetland the opportunity to see, firsthand, iconic artefacts and items which, although may not be specific to Shetland's heritage, are nonetheless very important - and popular. Exhibitions on local subjects curated by our staff are also very popular and well visited. Examples of these are below.
View Full Size40 Years of Art at Shetland Museum
View Full SizeArmada Cannon
View Full SizeFocus display of merchant bottles
View Full SizeFrom Old Rock to New Life - Emigration Show
View Full SizeThe Lewis Chessmen
View Full SizeHigh Seas and High Teas - an exhibition of tea trading
View Full SizeSkaill Hoard
View Full SizeTaatit Rugs
View Full SizeTriceratops skull from the Hunterian Museum
View Full SizeWriting the North partnership exhibition
Gunnister Man, in partnership with National Museums Scotland. September 2009.
Gayer-Anderson Cat, loaned from The British Museum. September 2012.
Skaill Hoard exhibition, in partnership with National Museums Scotland. July 2013.
Gentle Giant, dinosaur exhibition in parternship with The Hunterian Museum,University of Glasgow. September 2013.
Writing the North exhibition, in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Research Council, University of Edunburgh and Orkney Library. March 2014.
Blockade: 1914-1918. Self -curated exhibition on Shetlanders during WW1. August 2014.
Don McCullin Exhibition, in partnership with Shetland Arts, Artists Rooms, Tate and National Galleries Scotland. November 2014.
James Robertson map exhibition, in partnership with the National Library of Scotland. September 2015.
Tom Teasdale - ‘Sunny Intervals’
Foyer Corridor, Shetland Museum and Archives
A photographic exhibition commissioned by the cultural attaché of the European Commission in the UK. The London based photographer is exhibiting a collection of black and white photographs documenting aspects of living on some of the furthest reaches of the United Kingdom in Scotland, focusing on Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.
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Scotland's Coasts
Da Gadderie
This exhibition, drawn from Historic Environment Scotland's archives, explores Scotland's relationship to the sea and its impact on everyday life.
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Berenice Carrington
Shetland Museum and Archive
Berenice graduated from Chelsea School of Art in 1983 with a 1st class hons degree in Sculpture, and in 1984 with an MA in Fine Art. In 1997 she gained a PhD in Anthropology, Women’s Studies and History from The Australian National University in Canberra.
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Sam Davies 'Capturing the Moody Sea' and Chris Rigby 'Eight Years On'
Da Gadderie
Two exhibitions in Da Gadderie. 'Capturing the Moody Sea' is a new series of works by Sam Davies where he shares his passion for Shetland's dramatic seascapes. 'Eight Years On' shows the development of Chris Rigby's interest in Shetland landscapes as he moves away from coastal scenes to the hinterlands of the lochs and peatlands.
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Hjaltibonhoga – Shetland Fiddlers of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Upper Foyer
This exhibition displays a small selection of the many gifts given to Hjaltibonhoga by fellow performers at the Tattoo and other international events. Also in the display are costumes and commemorative photographs.
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Anniversary Exhibitions
Foyer
40 years of Archives and 50 years of Museum artefacts in celebration of our anniversaries.
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Ships in Bottles
Shetland Museum & Archives, upper gallery
Focus display with the Museum Ships in Bottles collection
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Miserabiles Personae - the Poor in Society
Da Gadderie
An exhibition showing how children and the poor existed in medieval Norway and Shetland, and how King Magnus Lawmender's new law code of 1274 affected society.
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Reconsidering Wool - The Laird's Witch
Shetland Museum and Archives
Our latest exhibition by the incredibly talented Susan Pearson Art. A fusion of delicate lace and unyielding concrete, Susan has created a visually stunning display that you won’t want to miss.
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Pieces in Time by the Shetland Needleworkers
Da Gadderie
Shetland Needleworkers` Exhibitions have established a reputation for being colourful and accessible, interesting and varied. Showing their most recent work, this event showcases the creativity and productivity of the members. From quilts and hangings, to pictures, cushions, boxes and bags……..it is all here to delight the eye.
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