Workforce of Alexander Hall shipyard
Hello and welcome to the Autumn edition of the AAGM Volunteer Bulletin. It’s been a busy summer with the Tall Ships Races, Festival of the Sea and lots of Summer holiday workshops and events and Monster themed film screenings!
We hope you were able to join in the excitement and get out into the glorious Aberdeen weather.
Aberdeen-built Ships
To celebrate the return of the Tall Ships to Aberdeen after 28 years, and as part of the Festival of the Sea, volunteers at Aberdeen Maritime Museum have recorded a series of captivating stories about ships built in the city and Aberdeen’s rich maritime history. These recordings are available to visitors through the Museum’s free Bloomberg Connects digital guide.
The volunteers—Donald Alexander, Colin Heling, Richard Leavett, and Finlay McKichan—are part of the Aberdeen Built Ships project that documents over 3,000 vessels constructed at local shipyards. Many have personal experience in maritime industries, bringing valuable insight to the Museum’s collection of ship models, plans, photographs, and films.
Highlights on the digital guide include stories about:
The clipper ship Thermopylae, which famously beat the Cutty Sark in two tea races from China.
The Arctic steam yacht Fox, used in Lady Jane Franklin’s expedition to find her missing husband.
The bell from the RMS St Helena, the last ship built at the Hall, Russell yard.
The shipbuilding database also features technical details, historical accounts, and personal stories passed down by relatives and researchers—preserving Aberdeen’s maritime legacy for future generations.
Councillor Martin Greig praised the volunteers’ dedication, noting that their contributions have enriched the Museum’s collections and made Aberdeen’s shipbuilding history more accessible to visitors and enthusiasts around the world.
News
As part of the Tall Ships event, the Archives team represented Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums in the Discovery Zone at Castlegate, and welcomed visitors into the Town House to explore its stunning civic interiors. Over the course of the event, they welcomed an impressive 2,597 visitors. With the support of dedicated volunteers, staff opened the Town House to locals and tourists, sharing their knowledge and showcasing Aberdeen’s rich civic heritage.
What’s happening at AAGM
All Fired Up: The Art and Science of Ceramics
Art Gallery (Level 2) / free
Studio ceramics are one-off or small runs of works made in clay by independent artist-potters, dating from the early 20th century to the present day. This major new display showcases more than 170 pieces from the exceptional Sandy Dunbar collection of studio ceramics.
We invite you to pick up the pots, explore the art and science of pottery and discover ceramics by a wide range of potters including Michael Cardew, Clive Bowen, Lisa Hammond, Chris Keenan and Jane Hamlyn.
Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction
Dive into the mysteries of the ocean this summer with our thrilling new exhibition! From mythical sea creatures to real-life deep-sea wonders, Monsters of the Deep explores the strange and spectacular.
- See the Feegee mermaid, a giant Japanese spider crab, and the skull of a killer whale
- Marvel at a megalodon tooth and a narwhal’s double tusks
- Discover how scientists explore the ocean’s darkest depths
Tickets:
£10 Adults
£7 Concessions
£14 Exhibition Pass (unlimited entry)
Children 12 and under go free
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer roles are now listed on the Aberdeen City Council website.
If you are signed up to the Volunteer Mailing list you will still receive these through email too.
If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to contact our Volunteer Liaison Officer:
Amy Thomson – amythomson@aberdeencity.gov.uk
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