Sophy & White Update: August

Since our last update, there’s been a big change in the team – we said a fond farewell to our wonderful Learning and Engagement Officer, Anna, who brought so much energy and creativity to the Sophy & White project. We wish her all the very best in her adventures!

But we’re thrilled to welcome someone very special into the role – the brilliant Flora MacLeod Swietlicki! Flora is no stranger to Dunollie, having been part of the team in various capacities over the years. She brings with her a deep knowledge of heritage, a passion for storytelling, and a particularly keen interest in historic fashion (trust us, she lights up when talking about 18th-century waistcoats).

Flora officially joined us in July, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on board.

Right now, we’re excited to dive into the third phase of the Sophy & White project: Seed. This sub-project explores our fascinating collection of agricultural tools, using them as a springboard to uncover stories of changing food practices in Argyll and the Isles. With a strong focus on sustainability and community, Seed is all about growing ideas – literally and figuratively.

Tracter seat and bench from the Hope MacDougall Collection.

The aims of this part of the project are:

• Working with local young people to co-create a brand-new onsite exhibition showcasing our agricultural collection, along with some specially chosen supporting objects.

  
  

• Connecting with community groups who are actively involved in sustainable food production, to learn from and share their incredible work.

  
  

• Collaborating with local videographer Beth Chalmers to produce a documentary-style film that brings these stories to life – perfect for our international friends and supporters who want to join the journey from afar.

  
  

Stitch & Spin – the Dunollie Blanket

Stitch & Spin group meeting supported by new head practioner Howie of Dunollie, the museum cat.

Meanwhile, our Stitch & Spin group is keeping the creativity flowing. After the amazing success of their traditional gansey-patterned coaster sales, the group is now working on something truly exciting – the Dunollie Blanket. Each member is knitting or crocheting a 6x6 inch square, which will be stitched together into a beautiful display piece for our museum.

We really wanted the Dunollie blanket to display not just the community here on site, but that which we feel from those across the world. Whether you’re around the corner or across the world, we’d love you to contribute a square. It’s a brilliant way to connect through traditional skills, wherever you are. We have already starting receiving squares in the post and are so excited to see all the others which we know are on their way! If you would like to be part of this project, you can drop off or post your square to us – and if you need more info, just email shannen@dunollie.org.

Bringing the Collection Online

Behind the scenes, something big is also in the works. We’ve been busy transferring our entire object database over to Ehive, an online platform that will soon let anyone browse our collection from anywhere in the world. This is a huge step for us – not just in terms of accessibility, but in making Dunollie’s stories and heritage available to a global audience.

It’s been a lot of work, but we’re aiming to launch the digital collection by winter. So whether you're a researcher, heritage enthusiast, or just curious, you’ll soon be able to explore Dunollie’s treasures with ease. Watch this space!

This project was made possible thanks to the generosity of National Lottery Players through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. If you have any questions or wish to get involved in Sophy & White: The Dunollie Collections Unboxed Project, please email shannen@dunollie.org