• A mourning brooch for a child who died in 1913. It was once customary to wear black after a death in the family.
  • A First World War Navy kitbag and army pistol, and a signalling lamp and poison gas samples from the Second World War.
  • By the 1880s - the date of this boddice - Shetlanders dressed similarly to people elsewhere in Britain.

Social History

The post-traditional era, in which Shetland society became similar to lifestyles elsewhere in Britain. In this period islanders abandoned locally-made tools, furnishings and clothing, and relied on imports. This happened roughly from 1800 onwards, getting more marked as time went on. The collection includes cultural, religious, governmental, warfare and communications artefacts.

Because islanders now used items made in factories, their home and working environments came to look just like anywhere else; a lamp, pocket-watch, or gramophone used here was no different to elsewhere.

The collection is broad. There is domestic equipment for cooking or cleaning. There is cultural memorabilia including sports trophies, paintings and costumes from the Up-Helly-Aa festival.  There are also many objects from churches and government services, primarily medical and educational.

An unwelcome impact of government – warfare - is shown by the broad range of naval and military apparatus, uniform, and personal effects from many battlefronts. Shetland's strong linking to mainland Britain is proven by the large range of ship’s equipment from the steamer service, plus model ships. Imported goods stocked local shops; we have examples of all of these as well as fittings and merchandise from businesses.

There are objects that show change to urban living, such as electrical appliances, and telecommunications that connected us with the outside world. Also, items from police and justice, such as station fittings and officers’ equipment.