New ANGUSalive Museums & Galleries Collections Store to open in Brechin

ANGUSalive is delighted to share that its main museum collections store will be relocating to Brechin Business Park this summer.

ANGUSalive Museums & Galleries are guardians of Angus Council’s vast and diverse collection that spans thousands of years, capturing the essence of a region that is not only the birthplace of Scotland, but one that has left its mark on the world. The collection comprises over 100,000 objects, covering social history, fine art, natural sciences and much more. The first objects were acquired in the early 1800s by the Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society, the Arbroath Museum Society and the former Town Councils, and we continue to add to the collection through strategic purchases and generous donations.

The changing exhibition programme allows museums to rotate the objects on display and objects are available for researchers to study, but for the first time, museums will be able to welcome visitors into the collections store and deliver exclusive tours and behind-the-scenes workshops. The store itself is fully accessible and will give visitors a look into the workings of a modern, accredited museum service.

Bruynzeel Storage Systems, who are world leaders in museum storage solutions, having supplied renowned institutions such as the V&A and the Louvre, has won the contract to supply purpose-built conservation grade shelving and picture racking to protect the collection.

Emma Gilliland, ANGUSalive Museums & Galleries Collections Lead said: “We are incredibly excited to see this project coming to fruition and are proud that we will be able to provide the best possible care for the collection. We’re looking forward to sharing our behind-the-scenes work with the people of Angus.”

Alison Gallacher, Angus Council Manager for Procurement and Commissioning said: “The team have worked very hard at creating a much-needed new home for Angus’ myriad of treasures. It’s wonderful to see everything finally moving to a fit for purpose facility where the ANGUSalive team can maximise the use of the fantastic pieces held to create beautiful & thought-provoking collections for the whole community to enjoy.”

Angus Collections Centre will be open for bookable tours and events or for research visits by appointment later this year. Please email collections@angusalive.scot to enquire.