Design

Design

Most of what we see in the world which is man-made is there by design, whether that be good or bad is a matter of opinion, but it is a crucial aspect of this subject that both the creative and logistical sides of the topic are discussed in full. Undertaking trips is a great way to generate debate, inspire students creatively and also make them think about implications of things such as location, weather, longevity, colour, shape, materials, texture interaction with the surrounding environment, design history, fashion and fads.

Trips for design are very often either practical workshops or visits to museums, buildings or venues which have exhibits or themselves designed to inspire students to think creatively or logistically. Great examples include a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum in London, to view the Eden Project in Cornwall or the Sage arena in Gateshead from a design perspective.

Often trips will lead to major follow-up projects in the classroom which will include both practical and theoretical session, and other topics such as Physics or Technology can be involved. 

Due to the nature of the practical sessions which often take place on design-based trips, the implications for safety are very important and increased attention should be paid to the suitability fo the activities, the tools being used and also ensuring the students are well-briefed, wear any protective equipment or clothing at all times and behave themselves.

Or you could be inspired by visiting design icons such as the Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery or even the studios of Aardman Animations.

Main organisations:

Design and Technology Association (DATA)

National Society for Education in Art and Design

Design Council

British Institute of Interior Design

Inclusion: NASEN

Venues for this Curriculum

Learn about Scottish history and discover how the Highlands are linked with the rest of the world.

Experience Highland contemporary art and crafts and unlock a medieval chest.

Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage & Museum in Cromarty celebrates prominent 19th-century Highland polymath, Hugh Miller - an eminent geologist, writer and social commentator.

Britain's first open-air museum

At the Highland Folk Museum we give our visitors a flavour of how Highland people lived and worked from the 1700s up until the 1960s! We do this by displaying over 30 historical buildings and furnishing them appropriate to their time period. Some have been built from scratch on site and some have been moved here from other locations.

Pictish and Celtic Centre for Ross and Cromarty

Our lovely museum is an outstanding centre for Pictish and Celtic Art in Ross-shire. The unique display is focused on 15 carved Pictish stones which all originated in the village, an important centre of early Christianity.

Glenfinnan Station Museum is a restored West Highland Line railway station on the ‘Iron Road’ to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig.

The Museum's award-winning displays use extensive research and the latest technology, including a tape tour of the town, to help you share the enthusiasm for Cromarty past and present.

Caithness Horizons Collection comprises approximately 8,050 artefacts relating to the following subjects/themes:

Archaeology: This Collection mostly consists of archaeological material from Caithness, although there is a small Collection of material from elsewhere in Scotland and from other countries

Thirlestane Castle, originating in the 13th century, is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland. Exquisite 17th century plaster ceilings; Victorian kitchens; Historic Toy and Country Life Museum; adventure playground; woodland walk and picnic tables. Lunches and teas served in “The Old Servants Hall”.

Whilst we offer fun kids trails and activity sessions throughout Summer- a range of specially tailored school visit are available year round.

Old Gala House is a composite building which has been added to and altered over a period of more than 400 years. The house has been a museum site since 1988. 

As well as the permanent collection, there are three main spaces which cater for a changing programme of Fine Art and historical exhibitions: the Christopher Boyd Gallery and the Pringle Gallery.

The knitwear and tweed story

The Borders Textile Towerhouse tells the story of our proud industrial past in a lively hands-on exhibition. There is also an exciting taste of textile fashions here and now, in our catwalk and design studio display. Carding, dyeing, spinning, weaving, knitting, finishing and design …. learn about the processes, people, craft and history behind the clothes that we take for granted.

The Museum of Abernethy was opened in May 2000. The building, which stands within the lands of the old Culdees monastery, dates from the 18th century. Originally consisting of a byre, stable and cattle rede, it was renovated during the 1990s to house the Museum.

Telling the story of Britain's wartime naval base

The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum houses an important record of the role the Royal Navy played in Orkney during both World Wars.

The Pier Arts Centre was established in 1979 to provide a home for an important collection of British art donated to ‘be held in trust for Orkney’ by the author, peace activist and philanthropist Margaret Gardiner (1904 – 2005). 

The Orkney Museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age, to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. There is a large collection of old photos and activities to amuse younger visitors. The Museum’s collection is of international importance and it has a changing temporary exhibition programme.

An outstanding centre for art and ideas, the public art gallery of The University of Edinburgh, Talbot Rice Gallery presents original and relevant exhibitions within a unique historical context. The exhibitions exemplify creativity and ambition, seen through a distinctive programme of Scottish and International artists, with informed interpretation and lively educational events. 

An important collection of early keyboard instruments including clavichords, chamber organs and early pianos housed in a restored Georgian concert hall, built in 1762 by Robert Mylne to a unique oval plan. Paintings, textiles and tapestries are also exhibited. Musical events are held throughout the year.

Since 1826, the Academy has occupied William Henry Playfair’s magnificent landmark building on the Mound, Edinburgh. The RSA is at the forefront of promoting living artists in Scotland, through its Annual Exhibition and a series of temporary exhibitions and events.

The National Mining Museum Scotland is the national coal mining museum for Scotland and cares for the Lady Victoria Colliery and the national coal mining collections. The collections at the museum comprise over 60,000 items, including objects, archive material, photographs and books.

We  tell the story of tin and copper mining in Cornwall with daily demonstrations of a working mill

The oldest complete mine site in Cornwall, King Edward Mine Museum in Troon, near Camborne specialises in the history of Cornish mining, telling the remarkable story of how the mine has survived for 100 years. In the tin processing mill machinery can be seen in action just as it would have been in the early 1900s.

The museum, at the Head Office of Scotland’s oldest bank, traces the history of banking and money through the story of the company. 

This fascinating museum takes a fresh look at money – and much, much more. Art & design, technology, crime, trade and security – all feature in the story of money. We are open throughout the year and admission is FREE.

When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.

Step back in time in this extraordinary Tudor castle on the edge of the Cotswolds. This hotel offers the perfect luxurious retreat – combining 500-year-old architecture with sumptuous facilities.

Founded in 1982 the Archive, Records Management and Museum Service is part of the Corporate Communications Division. We preserve, manage and provide access to the University’s archive, art and artefact collections. We promote their use by staff, students and the public in research and scholarship; and in displays and exhibitions.

The museum has on display 40 life masks and death masks of renowned individuals from famous scientists and politicians to notorious murderers. Plus skeletons and other anatomical items and sketches from the last 200 years.

The museum is open daily to the public.

History

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