Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Central Library are taking part of the National Library of Scotland’s centenary celebrations.
‘OUTWITH: National Library around Scotland’ is a collaborative programme of loans of National Library treasures, events and activities.
Aberdeen Art Gallery will display a feature loan of a significant songbook, Songs and Fancies, published in the city by John Forbes in 1682.This is an early edition of the first printed book of secular music in Scotland. It will be on display at Aberdeen Art Gallery from Saturday 13 September until Sunday 4 January.
The Art Gallery team selected Songs and Fancies from a range of national treasures to coincide with the centenary of the Gallery’s Cowdray Hall concert venue. On Saturday 13 September a special panel discussion will consider the book’s fascinating history, how these two institutions have evolved over the past century and explore how historic collections can inspire new creativity and collaborations. The panel will be chaired by writer and presenter Alistair Heather, with Alison Stevenson, Director of Collections, Access and Research at the National Library of Scotland, Phil Astley from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives, and Shane Strachan, writer, lecturer and former Scots Scriever.
On Thursday 13 November soprano Heloïse Bernard and lutenist Eric Thomas will perform selections from ‘Songs and Fancies’ as part of the weekly Lunchbreak Concert series at the Cowdray Hall. Music from Songs and Fancies has been recorded and is available on the Bloomberg Connects free digital guide to the Art Gallery.
Councillor Martin Greig pictured with the music book Songs and Fancies on loan from the National Library of Scotland
At the Central Library on Saturday 8 November, Aberdonians will have the opportunity to meet National Library staff in person at ‘National Library Live’. The day will be packed full of taster talks, family story sessions and drop-in games and activities for all ages. In partnership with Aberdeen City Archives, visitors will learn how they can get the most out of local and national archives for their own research.
Aberdeen locals may also spot staff from the National Library around town as the Library’s Community Walking initiative hits the streets in September, joined by librarians from the Aberdeen City Libraries team.
Alison Stevenson, Director of Collections, Access and Research at the National Library of Scotland, said: “As we approach the second half of the National Library of Scotland’s centenary celebrations, we want to demonstrate that we are a national library for everyone who lives in Scotland. We believe it’s never been more important to champion and support libraries and the OUTWITH programme in Aberdeen with the Art Gallery and Central Library maintains that.”
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said: “In this year that marks the centenary of both the National Library of Scotland and the Cowdray Hall, we are absolutely thrilled to have one of the National Library’s earliest publications of secular music on display at the Art Gallery. The fact that it was printed in Aberdeen and captured the most admired songs from Renaissance Scotland for the first time seems particularly appropriate for our celebration of 100 years of the Cowdray Hall concert venue. We’re also looking forward to welcoming the ‘National Library Live’ event to the Central Library on 8 November. This is a chance for us here in Aberdeen to find out more about the National Library through free taster talks, family story sessions and drop-in games and activities.”