Hunterian Exhibition

Held at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow from 29th August 2019 until 8th December 2019, our exhibition set out to showcase the findings of our research and to highlight The Hunterian’s world-class collection of Pacific barkcloth.

Colour photograph of the final case of the exhibition Barkcloth: Revealing Pacific Craft, displaying large cloths from The Hunterian collection, demonstrating the variety in the quality of the cloth and the range of decorative techniques used (copyright The Photographic Unit, The University of Glasgow) — Display of large cloths from The Hunterian collection, demonstrating the variety in the quality of the cloth and the range of decor

Entitled Barkcloth: Revealing Pacific Craft, the exhibition combined our work in technical art history, conservation science, anthropology and art history to reveal unknown provenances in The Hunterian collections and new scientific findings about the production, trading and use of tapa. Featuring exceptional samples of barkcloth newly restored to their original magnificence, the exhibition demonstrated how focused collections research can enhance our knowledge of collections and of the field.

Colour photograph of a ‘upeti or pattern rubbing board made of pandanus. The textured surface imparts a pattern on the barkcloth when it is rubbed with a colourant. This rare example was collected by the Reverend George in Samoa during the 1850s. (The Hunterian, GLAHM: E.433.) The case also contained printing and painting tools and colourants. (copyright The Photographic Unit, The University of Glasgow) — ‘Upeti or pattern rubbing board made of pandanus. The textured surface imparts a pattern on the barkcloth when it is rubbed with a colourant. (The Hunterian, GLAHM: E.433.) The case also contained printing and painting tools and colourants. (© The Photographic Unit, The University of Glasgow)

Colour photograph of a silver medal struck to commemorate Captain James Cook’s second voyage to the Pacific in 1772-1775. The Hunterian, GLAHM: 38 (copyright The Photographic Unit, The University of Glasgow) — Silver medal struck to commemorate Captain James Cook’s second voyage to the Pacific in 1772-1775. The Hunterian, GLAHM: 38 (© The Photographic Unit, The University of Glasgow)

In addition to outstanding examples of barkcloth on display for the first time, the exhibition allowed visitors to view objects collected on the exploratory voyages of Captain Cook and by Presbyterian missionary Reverend George Turner. Included amongst these objects were original tools, dyes, fibres and plant species used to make the cloth.