Museum Collections
Many people use Shetland Museum and Archives artefact collections for research. Subjects vary greatly, although the most common themes for research are archaeology and textiles. Both of these collections have been ‘Recognised’ as collections of national significance.
Not all of our artefacts are able to be displayed due to space limitations. Researchers are welcome to browse the museum gallery displays with no appointment and make use of the interpretive information to take notes. Additional research with input from a curator, or referring to collections and artefacts held in our remote store, is by appointment only and following discussion with the relevant curator. It may not always be possible to provide access to all artefacts requested due to staff availability or short notice.
Some of our collections can also be viewed online, such as a large part of our art collection, which was photographed and catalogued as part of a national BBC project to promote access to art - Online Art Collection
Some scholars and researchers donate their collections of work to us and these are catalogued in order to assist future researchers. One example of this is the Sheila McGregor textile research collection.
