Changing Culture
Changing Culture is the first zone in the upper gallery. This explores Shetland’s story from 1800 to the present day – during which time there have been massive changes in its society.
As you enter the zone you see that servants had to cater for the wealthy. However, over the 20th century increasingly more ordinary people had time for hobbies and pastimes. Leisure became more commercialised and structured, with the formation of clubs, and Shetland’s music tradition became an industry.
Themes include: Hobbies, domestic service, music and the well-known Up-Helly-Aa fire festival.
Highlights include:
- Naturalist’s desk – Particularly popular with children, this desk is full of curios and items to explore.
- Konga poster – This film poster was adapted by a local teacher in 1961, to look like a rampaging gorilla was destroying the Lerwick waterfront!
- Up Helly Aa display – The festival is unique, and even our display can’t substitute for the real thing.