and artefacts illustrating the social and economic changes within the islands. The archives comprise extensive records of Shetland local governments, crown offices, landed estates and individuals, from c 1500 to the present, books and articles concerning Shetland, and a large collection of tape recordings.
The new building is a key element in the regeneration of a formerly run-down area of Lerwick, set within a restored historic, listed dock which incorporates original heritage features such as working boat sheds, a pier store and historic boats in the dock. It was designed around some of the larger artefacts, such as the Bressay Lighthouse optic and the last surviving original Sixareen – a traditional Shetland, six-oared boat. The need to display this and other boats in the collection has resulted in the Boat Hall – an impressive 20 metre high feature of the building, the shape of which is based on the sail of a traditional Shetland Boat.
Throughout the project traditional, natural, recycled and reclaimed materials have been used, and traditional craftsmanship. As well as providing a high quality finish, this has produced some unique features such as the reception desk and shop fittings constructed from ship’s timbers uncovered when the dock was dredged. As well as permanent exhibition galleries and a space for regularly-changing exhibitions, the building incorporates an auditorium, cafe restaurant, shop and learning room, and a range of specially-commissioned art and craft projects, including community art.
The integrated design approach has already been recognised by the Scottish Executive which cites the museum in its National Architecture Policy document as one of five best practice examples of high quality and sustainable architecture: ‘an excellent example of a collaborative project where the design and fabric of the building seamlessly interweaves concerns for history, sustainable development and public art.
The project has received support from the public, funding bodies and press from its inception, and now open it is enjoying huge success; visitor numbers overtook the predicted year one figure within three months of opening.
The new Shetland Museum and Archives has created a ‘Heritage Hub’ for both visitors and residents. For visitors – a gateway to Shetland, an introduction to the islands and a guide to further exploration through the network of local community museums, cultural events, scenery and wildlife. For local people - a place to be proud of, where they can meet friends and visit time and again to enjoy the pleasant setting of the restored Hay’s Dock and the facilities on offer.
Some of your comments:
Most people going to the new Shetland Museum and Archives probably visit the museum first of all. The museum is quite obviously a magnificent building, in relation to both layout and content, staffed by extremely knowledgeable and friendly people. I am probably one of the most regular researchers in the new Shetland Archives. It is a superb facility. The research room, itself, is extremely spacious, with a long, wide table, and very comfortable seating. Along one wall, there is a worktop with computers- on which the astonishing range and quantity of archival documents can be easily accessed from the catalogues, and two microfiche-printer readers where old newspapers and the like can be perused at leisure. On the opposite wall, the bookshelves are stacked with a very comprehensive and well-organised array of publications to help people with their research. Above all, perhaps, there is a team of very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly archivists and assistants - Brian Smith, Angus Johnson, Joanne Jamieson, Mark Smith, and Blair Bruce – who make everyone very welcome and always seem able to produce material, no matter the topic of enquiry. I very much doubt if there could be a better archive anywhere. I would strongly recommend the new Shetland Museum and Archives for the 2008 Art Fund Prize.
Gordon Johnston, Lerwick
I had the pleasure to be at the opening evening of this fantastic Museum with a group of Norwegians. We were amazed that such an outstanding development had been created on these islands. I visited again a couple of days later to see how excited the people of Shetland were by THEIR new Museum and Archive. This is a remarkable affirmation of the drive and commitment that the Shetlanders have for conserving their culture and heritage. They just got on with it! The results are wonderful and will be a fantastic new asset for these lovely islands and future generations of Shetlanders.
Bill Taylor, Fortrose
The museum is fantastic, also the staff there could not have been more helpful; they go out their way to get you the information that you want. When I was there over the Christmas period with my father, who is blind, we were able to find pictures of my grandmother, also the house my father was born in on the Photographic Archive part of the museum upstairs. I cannot tell you enough what that meant to my father. To let you know how much we enjoyed the museum we visited it four times during my stay - also the restaurant we had a meal there every time that was all part of the enjoyment for the long visit each time.
Yvonne Iqbal, Edinburgh
I spent more time in the Shetland Museum than anywhere else in my visit to the UK- probably around ten hours. It was my favorite place in the entire trip. I got personal attention by the employees who researched and answered questions that were raised by the museum. I also went to the photo exhibit and an art exhibit of ‘jellyfish’. I bought two of their calendars to show my friends some of what the museum has to offer and have tried to explain what about it knocked me out but my words came up short. One thing that impressed me greatly was the community effort that must have been organized to create the building and exhibits. It is truly a part of its environment. I hope it wins the prize despite the distant setting, because they know what to do with money when they have it. Now I need to go to Norway and find out more! The Shetland Museum inspires a person to delve further.
Kay Kreider, Copenhagen, New York, USA
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