Local historian Bryce Wilson has been honoured with the title of Curator Emeritus by Stromness Museum trustees, recognising over 40 years of dedicated service to the Museum.
A native of Stromness, Bryce Wilson studied drawing and painting at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen before returning to Orkney to start his career as an art teacher. In 1971, he was invited by Stromness Museum to curate an exhibition of historical photographs by Wilfie Marr, an experience he enjoyed so much that in 1975 he applied for the role of Museums Officer with Orkney Islands Council, becoming the council’s first employed curator based at Tankerness House Museum, where he worked for 28 years.
From 1975 to 2003, Bryce served as Honorary Curator of Stromness Museum and was also a former secretary. Beyond his museum role, Bryce has published numerous historical articles and larger works on local Orkney history and aspects of Orkney life, including ‘Sea Haven – Stromness in the Orkney Islands’ and ‘Orkney in a hundred and one tales’.
On 15 November, at the opening of the Museum’s winter exhibition, Bryce was formally awarded the honorary title of Curator Emeritus by the current Chair and Trustees of Stromness Museum.
Ian Johnstone, Chair of Stromness Museum commented:
“We’re delighted to honour Bryce’s longstanding voluntary service to Stromness Museum. His significant contributions have been instrumental in shaping the museum into the admired institution it is today.
“This is the first time that the Museum has awarded the title of Curator Emeritus. This honour reflects the huge commitment and knowledge sharing that Bryce has given to the Museum, and the trustees felt that this deserved to be recognised in this special way.”
Reflecting on Bryce’s impact, local councillor and current Honorary Curator of Stromness Museum, Janette Park, said:
“Although Bryce has stepped back from the day-to-day operations, his support and wealth of historical knowledge continue to be invaluable to the museum’s curatorial activities. The title Curator Emeritus publicly acknowledges his outstanding contribution to not only local history but how Orkney’s history and cultural connections are recognised nationally and internationally.
The story of the German High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow was brought to the fore through an exhibition organised by Bryce. The first of many books about the scuttling was written by Dan Van Der Vat after he visited the Museum and saw this display. The recreational diving industry built up around the remaining wrecks was born from this.
The John Rae 200 Conference in 2013, the John Rae statue at the Pier Head and the plaque in Westminster Abby. All enabled because of the work previously done by Bryce to bring John Rae from the shadows of history to rightful recognition as the discoverer of the last navigable link in the first North West Passage.
We as the Orcadian community have much to thank him for.”
Bryce Wilson, now Curator Emeritus of Stromness Museum, expressed his gratitude for the honour.
from Museum Chair Ian Johnstone (Credit: Rebecca Marr)
with current Honorary Curator Janette Park (Credit: Rebecca Marr)
The museum’s winter exhibition, ‘Seaweed Secrets: From Museum Collections to Art Inspiration’ opened to the public on 16 November. It showcases the museum’s unique seaweed collection, along with art and innovative products inspired by seaweed. Support for the exhibition has been provided by Sheila Fleet, the Association of Independent Museums, The Pilgrim Trust, and the Orkney Japan Association.
