Dr Emily Michelson
What does it mean to be Scottish? Scottish Objects of Encounter asks how we understand Scottishness, both today and when the University was first founded. It examines how national identity is also shaped by foreign objects, materials, techniques, and concepts.
Diversity and encounter have always contributed to Scottish identity and to its iconic objects – and the University of St Andrews has been part of this international exchange since its founding.
The University maces, expression of the University’s identity and history, also symbolise centuries of encounters with other cultures. From French influence on the Mace of the Faculty of Arts, through to the Greek influences in the making of the Six Centuries Mace – these works represent a steady tradition of global openness that has been ongoing for over half a millennium.
Including an interview with Greek master-silversmith and chaser Panos Kirkos, maker of the Six Centuries Mace, Scottish Objects of Encounter explores the hidden diversity of the University maces and history.
This exhibition is based on research by Emily Michelson and Alexandros Hatzikiriakos in the School of History. This project is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Grant no. AH/X007065/1.