The Art Collection
The Angus Art Collection consists of around 4,000 artworks originally held by the seven burgh towns of Angus, which came together in 1975. This art collection is rich and diverse, steeped in the history of Angus and is still evolving to this day. We are grateful for generous donations and bequests and we also purchase new and exciting works, most notably from our annual Meffan Winter Exhibition.
We have several impressive and exciting works on display in our galleries, each reflecting the character of the seven burgh towns of Angus. Two such paintings we would love for you to see are by Peter Brueghel the Younger which you will find on permanent display in the Corsar Gallery in Arbroath Library.
Feel free to pop in and visit our galleries which are all free of charge and explore an intriguing and surprising realm of art, right here in Angus.
The World Cultures Collection
The World Cultures collection was largely amassed during the Victorian period corresponding with a period of growth and expansion in the British Empire. Britain was exerting economic and political power by developing colonies in areas such as Africa, India and North America. The empire was so far- reaching the famous phrase ‘the sun never sets on the British Empire’ was used to describe it.
Some of the individuals who held privileged positions travelling and trading in colonised countries also used their position to further another Victorian pastime: the collecting of curios. Curios were objects that were rare, exotic or valuable. They included wonders of the natural world, valuable works of art and cultural objects from far flung places.
The imbalance of power between coloniser and colonised led to objects being taken from their places of origin with no regard for the impact or ethics of such action. This left a legacy that endures to this day and raises questions around how we interpret these objects, how we share the narrative around Victorian collecting practices, and whether some of these objects belong back in their native countries.
Online Collection
We’re delighted to bring to you our Digital Archive and Museums Collection. From ancient artifacts rich in Angus history to rare finds from across the globe, our online collections are bursting with stories waiting to be discovered by you.
Through this site, you will be able to view an amazing variety of items that we store here at ANGUSalive and you can book in time with us to view these in person. Whether you’re here to research, reminisce, or simply trace the history of Angus, you’re sure to find something that is up your street.
Donations to Angus Collections
Do you think that you have an object that would fit in one of our museum collections?
Our collection is for the people of Angus, and donations are an opportunity for people to help shape the collection, ensure they are represented within it, and make a valuable contribution to the histories we capture for future generations.
ANGUSalive cares for and manages the museum collections of Angus Council for the people of Angus. We are always interested to hear more about any object that you wish to donate but for reasons of security and public accountability, we have a procedure in place to deal with potential donations.
