Our Collections

Social History

21.01.OM22 - Thornton Pickard Triple extension plate camera 6.5 x 4.5 plate

Our Social History collection tells the story of Orkney from its transfer to Scotland in the 15th century to the present day. It shows how life was led by the rich and poor, agricultural improvements and the development of industry.

Two World Wars saw Scapa Flow as a major naval base, while the scuttling and salvage of the German Fleet there has left a large number of artefacts, which is of international importance

Leather Boot

This leather boot upper was discovered during the renovations to turn Tankerness House into the county museum in 1965.

Huntsgarth Clothing

The Huntsgarth clothing was found in a peat bog in Harray in 1968 by Mr George Spence

Nursing Chair with the initials E.T from 1596

Gifted by James Tait of Cannigal to his daughter Ellen Tait on the event of her marriage to James Drever of Westray in 1596.

Bog Cotton Christening socks

Christening socks made for John Robert Hourston, born in Tankerness on 29th July 1907.

Cigarette Case and New Testament

Chromium plated cigarette case and accompanying New Testament, carried around in the breast pocket of Private John G. Johnston.

Tom Kent Camera

Whole Plate Camera owned and used by Orcadian photographer Tom Kent.

Signatures of some of the survivors of HMS Royal Oak

Signatures obtained on this handkerchief by Mrs Roberta Robinson (nee MacLeod) of some of the survivors of HMS Royal Oak

German WW1 Pocket watch

This German officer’s pocket watch was acquired by a British sailor when he was stationed in Scapa Flow during the scuttling of the German Fleet

Ba'

This Ba' was won by Barbara Yule, on Christmas Day 1945 and donated to Orkney Museum by her family in 1999.

Pewter communion token from Graemsay and Hoy

Communion token issued to members of the congregation to provide them access to the Lord’s supper.

Straw Orkney Chair

Norwegian Yacht Armrest

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