An art project with a difference was unveiled today (26 June, 2018) at Perth Museum and Art Gallery – a Japanese-style robe created by local community groups that will form part of a new exhibition.

The community robe consists of nine different parts, each designed by a different local group and inspired by the recent discovery of a rare Korean robe dating from the 19th Century, one of only two in the UK, at the Museum. The robe was discovered as part of the ongoing Collections Review at Perth Museums in partnership with specialists from National Museums Scotland and is now on display as part of Dress to Impress at Perth Museum & Art Gallery until 27 October 2018.

Pupils from Perth High School and Fairview School have been working with artist Jill Skulina and the Heritage Learning Officer, Nicola Dibley, to decorate their parts of the kimono.

Perth Museum has also worked with community groups such as Perth College Early Years Students, Murray Royal Art Group, Care Home Activity Network, Culture Perth and Kinross Volunteers, Perth Creative Community Collaborative, Perth Autism Support and Fife College creative arts learners – HMP YOI Cornton Vale to design the robe. The community robe will now form part of Dress to Impress, a joint project between Perth Museum and Art Gallery and National Museums Scotland.

Barbara Hamilton, Senior Officer Communities with Culture Perth and Kinross, which runs the region’s museums and galleries, said

“The robe project strengthened community ties by giving the Museum a chance to reconnect with groups they have previously worked with, build new relationships and helped to break down access barriers. The robe represents a modern approach to kimono design, using fabric pens, sequins and gold leaf.

“The participants have learned important new skills in textile art and built confidence. The project has stretched the imaginations of those who took part and their work has become an integral part of this popular exhibition, Dress to Impress. After the exhibition is finished the groups will be given the chance to display the finished robe in their own environment and share their experience with other group members.”

Dress to Impress, which runs until October 27, features ceremonial wear, Samurai swords and armour, art and accessories, some of them dating back to the 17th century.

The Dress to Impress exhibition is the result of a collaborative project between Perth Museum and Art Gallery and National Museums Scotland supported by The National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Helen Smout, Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, said:

“I would like to thank all the community groups who took part in this very exciting project, and also National Museums Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support of this exhibition. Dress to Impress is proving to be very popular with visitors and I know the addition of our community robe will only add to the interest.”

The exhibition has been developed with National Museums Scotland as part of the Ancient Egypt and East Asia National Programme in support of the new galleries which open at the National Museum of Scotland in Spring 2019.

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