Seeking to captivate the many facets of our northern neighbour and its people, Scotland – A Changing Nationdoes a fantastic job at collecting a wide variety of stories and experiences, before packing them in so tightly than none are given space to breathe or to be explored past a whistle-stop tour that covers all but highlights none. From music and the voice of the late Mrs. Thatcher echoing through the double-chambered hall to highlighting so many different areas that none get a true look-in, this exhibit is a Jack of all trades (quite literally) and a master of none, in an attempt to highlight everything that Scotland has accomplished and become renowned for over the past 125 years.
By giving the last 125 years only the small allowance of the sixth floor, when other sections of the Scotland exhibit series collectively span from level -1 to level 5, its relegation is evident from the near total abandonment the exhibit has when exploring, and given other galleries in the museum, feels unsurprising. The stories in here may be able to compete with the vast array of other items in the eight levels of the museum complex if specialisations and in-depth exploration had been carried out, but alas its relegation to the sixth floor space is understandable, if not welcomed outright.
Individual items are worthy of mentioning, the glowing model of Dounreay’s nuclear reactor by Kate Williams and John Lloyd being one and the large oil rig model another, but these are exceptions to the unfortunate rule. Other pieces do stand out, such as framed samples of wallpaper, oilcloth, linoleum and fabrics from throughout the 1900s being an oddly beautiful piece, but considering these are simply fabric swatches put into a frame, their allure quickly falls, even if such a piece would be a lovely addition to any kitchen. The brightness of the Sports Hall of Fame may have reintroduced my eyes to visible light, but given its closed-off nature did little to help the exhibit overall.
Scotland is, in the words of this exhibit, “one nation, five million voices”, and whilst each has extraordinary achievements and stories to tell, the cacophony of attempting to platform them all simultaneously leaves only a crucible of chaos in what should be a hallowed hall of Scottish brilliance. Whilst having individual items or works worthy of focus, shining through the darkened hallways like diamonds in the rough, they are hidden amongst the miasma of other items, explanations and pieces that leave this as exhibit as an accumulation rather than a collection. Much greater expansion and depth into several key areas would be much more beneficial, as this exhibit, tucked away at the top of the building, comes across as simply a list of materials and a couple of people who work in its industry.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Scotland – A Changing Nation is a continuing display in Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland
