Other Collections
Alongside the Art Collection, University Collections care for the following museum collections.
Furniture Collection
This is a representative collection of 1960s and 1970s furniture acquired for the University. This includes Bertoia chairs, McIntosh of Kirkcaldy sideboards, commissioned curtains and fabric from Bute Fabrics.
The furniture collection was acquired at the same time as a large proportion of the Art Collection was created. It reflects developments in design in this period when the University was first established and has synergies with work in the Art Collection by artists who were commissioned for the University and the abstract works which were collected in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
Ceremonial Collection
This collection includes all objects used in graduation. It comprises University silver, ceremonial gowns and the University mace. New additions to the Ceremonial Collection in 2025 include newly designed ceremonial staffs by renowned jewellers Hamilton and Inches and a new mace stand by master furniture maker Daniel Lacey.
Where possible when new acquisitions are made to this Collection we ensure that they utilise Scottish makers whose practice speaks to the artwork contained within the Art Collections and reflects the heritage of the institution.
Science Collection
This is a Natural Science collection acquired for learning and teaching. This includes skeletons and geological objects. A key focus of the Collections is to ‘make knowledge visible’. Each year our exhibitions are inspired by a University research theme and we work across collections to examine research themes. In the 2025/6 academic year our theme is Art and Science and all exhibitions and outreach activities are focussed on this theme.
Works from the Science Collection are exhibited alongside works from the Art Collections. Currently we are exhibiting a new acquisition, a still life work, Le Bouc by artist Alison Watt alongside relevant skulls from the Science Collection.
Read our blog about working with the Science Collection.
Pathfoot Press
A working Columbian Printing press and press room. This press is run in conjunction with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University and is managed by the University Printer in Residence. The press is integrated in learning and teaching and undertakes outreach and engagement work.
It is also utilised by artists working with the Collection. A previous artist in residence Jennifer Wicks created four works using the press which have been accessioned into the Collection.
