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‘In search of a national identity – Scotland’s material culture’ by Dr David Caldwell

Dr David Caldwell presents his Presidential Lecture on the material culture of Scotland and the creation of national identity.

Dr David Caldwell FSAScot and President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland presents a lecture on “In search of a national identity – Scotland’s material culture”.

Dr David Caldwell FSA FSAScot has been President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland for six years, the first to do so. He will step down at the Society Anniversary Meeting and AGM on 30 November 2020. It is traditional for the President of the Society to give a lecture at the end of their term. Building on a lifetime’s experience as a curator in the National Museum of Scotland Dr Caldwell presents some views on Scottish identity, as manifested in material culture.

We Scots have a very strong, recognisable brand, much of it based, now and in the past, on our own distinctive versions of artefacts and clothing. Many of these have been kept from earlier times because of their relevance to events and famous people. We have bolstered our arguments for nationhood and independence on key, iconic objects. The study of material culture has been an important thread in the interests of Fellows of our Society since 1780 and Dr Caldwell is keen to keep that tradition alive. He hopes through this presentation to encourage others to take a renewed interest in this fascinating area.

The Society lectures are gratefully funded by Sir Angus Grossart QC OBE DL LLD DLitt FRSE FSAScot

Recorded by Mallard Productions