Bings o chatterie

Citation

Ramsay R (2017) Bings o chatterie [Loads of stuff: the material culture of Gypsy/Travellers (hidden) in Scottish museums]. Hidden Treasures, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, 11.06.2017-11.06.2017.

Abstract
When I first started to research the material culture of Gypsy/Travellers in Scottish museums the project I had in mind was very straightforward: I was going to find the examples of Gypsy/Traveller objects within museums in Scotland. Except it is, of course, not that straightforward. This paper will outline some of what I have found out so far about what is out there, how it got there, how it is used (or not), and some of the possible ways forward. I will give an idea of: what is currently on display what is hidden in plain sight (contested and unacknowledged items ) what is hidden away in museum stores across the country (the unused and unseen majority of objects) This will be followed by some examples of creative approaches that a few museums have taken to tackle the invisibility of Gypsy/Traveller culture within Scottish museums. The paper will close with a look to the future – asking how we can develop a future where Gypsy/Traveller culture, art and craft has greater visibility within Scottish museums.