The Hunterian

Strategic Plan

2015 – 2020

The Hunterian belongs to an elite group of university museums that have collected across multiple

disciplines for research, teaching and learning. It is recognised as one of Scotland’s greatest cultural assets.

Built on Dr William Hunter’s founding bequest of 1783, The Hunterian’s treasures today include scientific

apparatus used by James Watt and Lord Kelvin; monumental sculpture and antiquities from the Antonine

Wall; major earth sciences holdings; Scotland’s most important print and numismatic collections; rare ‘first

contact’ artefacts from the Pacific Ocean; and extensive collections of European and Scottish art. The

Hunterian is also home to the world’s largest permanent display of the work of James McNeill Whistler, the

largest single holding of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Mackintosh House, the

reassembled interiors from his Glasgow home.

The Hunterian collections are a central resource for research and learning in the arts, humanities and natural,

physical and medical sciences, attracting scholars and visitors from around the world. The Hunterian is a

cultural and scientific asset with national and international reach, supporting the university in delivering

excellent research, in providing a world class student experience and a centre for curatorial training, and in

reaching out to the global learning community through knowledge and collections exchange and through its

digital services.

Kelvin Hall, the next stage of our evolution, provides exciting opportunities for growth and change. In

partnership with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life and the National Library for Scotland, the University of

Glasgow is now transforming one of Glasgow’s landmark buildings, Kelvin Hall, into a centre for excellence

for the study of historic collections and visual arts. New state of the art facilities will allow the University of

Glasgow to build on its international reputation for collection based research and teaching, allowing much

greater access to collections while forging new academic and educational practice.

In Phase 1 at Kelvin Hall, the University will create state of the art research spaces, teaching labs and

conservation studios alongside search and seminar rooms, dedicated postgraduate study space and a

conference suite. A range of new postgraduate and lifelong learning programmes will be developed as well

as a public programme offered by students and curators. An Academy for cultural and heritage skills will offer

training and continuing professional development to the museum and cultural heritage sectors, nationally and

internationally.

A key strategic ambition for The Hunterian is to re-articulate and reposition the University of Glasgow’s

encyclopaedic and world class collections in a second phase of development at Kelvin Hall. This would

deliver a step change in public understanding of the University’s heritage and deliver a new diverse audience.

New galleries and special exhibition space, allowing a significant expansion in the collections on show, will be

supported for the first time by educational facilities and visitor amenities, creating a truly world class visitor

experience consistent with our collections and our international peers.

As part of a world-class world-changing university and through our rich heritage, collections and knowledge

we will enlighten and inspire, bringing innovation to the museum sector and creating a world class

experience for our visitors.

The Hunterian is a benchmark for innovation in the Higher Education and museums sector, blending

academic and public engagement ambitions and creating a unique visitor experience. Through our

exhibitions, programmes and world class facilities, The Hunterian acts as a laboratory for new developments

in collections research and learning and as an international centre for graduate, Early Career and

professional training in the museum and heritage world.

The organisational values set out in the University of Glasgow’s Strategic Plan Inspiring People Changing the

World drive our behaviours and actions. We are passionate, professional and progressive in all that we do.

Passionate

We are:

Creative and entrepreneurial – we thrive on finding innovative solutions

Dedicated to providing a first class experience for our visitors and our students

Ambitious and confident about our position as a leading university museum

Professional

We are committed to:

Striving for excellence in everything we do

Optimising use of our resources and attracting additional resources

Seeking out opportunities to collaborate with our local and international partners and sharing

innovative practice to the benefit of the wider university museum sector

Progressive

We are:

Future focussed and embrace change

Constantly seeking new opportunities for innovation

Leading in our sector and setting benchmarks for university museums

Launched in 2013, our Science Showcase combines objects from our rich history of science and

medicine collections with exhibits and demonstrations generated by the university’s world leading

science research.

The successful launch in 2011 of The Hunterian Friends as a way of developing a network of

community support and patronage for The Hunterian and our collections.

Our public programme has included several critically acclaimed exhibitions supported by rich and

varied events and scholarly publications - these include Ingenious Impressions (2015), Mackintosh

Architecture (2014), Scottish Gold (2014), Allan Ramsay (2013) and Rembrandt and the Passion (2012).

2014 saw the completion of the major research project Mackintosh Architecture, funded by the Arts

and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – the first authoritative survey of Charles Rennie

Mackintosh’s architectural career.

The first two of our Hunterian Treasures volumes were published – Whistler (2011) and The Antonine

Wall (2012), and The Hunterian, University of Glasgow was published by SCALA as part of their

acclaimed Director’s Choice series in 2012.

Several high profile loans have seen works from The Hunterian in some of the world’s most visited

museums and galleries, further enhancing the University of Glasgow’s reputation on an international

scale.

Since 2012 visitors to The Hunterian have increased by 58% - we welcomed 170,523 people to our

main galleries in 2014.

Rapid expansion of our student engagement programme – in 2014 1,479 public gallery tours were

delivered by University of Glasgow students (our MUSEs) and 137 students were actively engaged in

our research and public programmes.

The highly innovative Hunterian Associates Programme, introduced as a pilot in 2012, was

shortlisted the following year for a prestigious Times Higher Education Award in the Outstanding

Support for Early Career Researchers category – the Programme allows researchers to develop

public engagement skills.

Co-convening of the MSc in Museum Studies (established 2010-11), growing the annual cohort to 40

students - one of the lead programmes of its type in the world.

A major programme of gallery investment resulted in the opening in 2011 of a spectacular new

gallery The Antonine Wall: Rome’s Final Frontier, realising a long held ambition to showcase our

unique collection of monumental sculpture and other Roman artefacts recovered from the Antonine

Wall World Heritage site.

This also led to the reopening of the Hunterian Art Gallery in 2012 with enhanced content, new

rotational display areas and improved visitor experience with new reception, shop and public

amenities.

Strategic Themes 1. Developing a world class collection

Strategic Priorities Strategic Actions 2015-16/17

Create a world class infrastructure for collections research, learning and training

Deliver the Kelvin Hall Phase 1 project (open for business September 2016), co-locating and making accessible Hunterian study collections. Deliver collections rationalisation programme. Deliver KH Phase 1 HLF Activity Plan with Project Partners through multiple working groups, including Academic, Educational and Digital access and programming, Academy for Cultural and Heritage Skills, Heritage Content, and Communications – delivering programme to HLF monitoring schedule over 2015-16. Develop new teaching exhibition solutions and public programming for the Anatomy and Zoology Museums commencing in 2016-17

Develop Kelvin Hall Phase 2 business case – reuniting collections under one roof and creating the Enlightenment Museum for the 21st Century

Complete vision business plan for New Hunterian at Kelvin Hall Phase 2 with clearly articulated strategic ambitions (2015-16). Develop KH2 fundraising strategy with the Development and Alumni Office.

Invest in digital resources and access

Develop and launch digital strategy to include an open data approach to collections information. Enhance digital content to reflect ongoing research activities and knowledge exchange opportunities. Enable greater research access to collections data through collection systems, including downloadable data sets. Work in partnership with HATII to develop new approaches to digital interpretation and curation and digital-based research, including wider use of data by PGR/PGT. Work in partnership with Special Collections and Archives to develop shared data resources for cultural assets.

Build our collections in a strategic way, aligned to our research, teaching and learning objectives

Review all collections-related policies and procedures as part of the Accreditation process. Develop collecting protocols and procedures across all Colleges and Schools to ensure future collections meet research and teaching needs. Develop protocols for collecting from University of Glasgow based research programmes, including transfer of PhD-developed collections. Develop new access protocols for Colleges and Schools including research loans, teaching programme requests, etc.

Our strategic themes help determine our priorities for the next five years and help drive

all activity. We have five strategic themes which cover all areas of our operations:

Developing a world class collection

Engaging audiences through building and sharing knowledge

Developing our workforce and the next generation (professionals and students)

Building national and global connections

Investing in our people, processes and systems

2. Engaging audiences through building and sharing knowledge

Develop and support a dynamic research and learning culture within The Hunterian

Set Research and Teaching objectives for Hunterian curatorial staff following appropriate adjustment of contracts. Develop and invest in research fellowships around Hunterian collections: Appoint Mount Stuart Curatorial Fellow to develop academic

programme, exhibition concept and publication and develop proposals for a studentship programme

Pursue discussions with Cambridge University Museums and recruit second Hunter Fellow (2016)

Externally funded 2 year Curatorial Fellow, supporting the 2018 Tercentenary proposal

Develop 2018 William Hunter tercentenary Programme including research and exhibition project through UofG and external partnerships; continue partner planning workshops with Yale Centre for British Art; create student intern opportunities; and develop sponsorship strategy for 2018. Contribute to Glasgow Mackintosh 150 anniversary programme for 2018 in collaboration with Glasgow Museums and Glasgow School of Art. Facilitate Scottish Network on Digital Cultural Resources Evaluation (RSE funded). Facilitate and supervise four Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Award students from 2015-16; recruitment of 6 studentships in Spring 2016. Develop new joint lecturer/ curator appointments with University of Glasgow Colleges and Schools (History of Art and Archaeology) by 2016-17. Explore future collaboration with Medical Humanities units in the University of Glasgow for research and exhibition projects. Collaborate with CoA on establishment of a new cross-School Research Centre on knowledge production through collecting and curating by 2017-18.

Promote The Hunterian as a ‘Pathway to Impact’, working with University of Glasgow academic and external partners to showcase world class research through exhibitions and public engagement events

Ensure delivery of Hunterian special exhibition programme, co-curated research exhibits and other rotational displays 2015-20, creating Case Studies for the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Support the University of Glasgow’s Research Strategy and Innovation Office on the development of the Impact (Case Study) ‘Pipeline’. Establish new evaluation methodology to capture impact of exhibits. Support the University of Glasgow’s public engagement strategy, optimising opportunities created by the KH development.

Develop and deliver rich education and knowledge exchange programmes in Kelvin Hall

Facilitate expansion and enrichment of University of Glasgow lifelong

learning offer (with Centre for Open Studies), through direct access to

the collections, creating better access, interpretation and utility of

Hunterian study collections at Kelvin Hall.

Collaborate with the School of Education on the curriculum for the new

MSc in Museum Education, to launch at Kelvin Hall in 2016/17.

Work with Glasgow Museums on the development and delivery of

schools and community education programme at Kelvin Hall Phase 1.

Increase engagement with our collections, physically, intellectually and remotely. Continue experimental public programme and diversify our audience profile.

Develop and launch digital strategy in support of exhibition and public

programmes, including operational infrastructure, public interface to

collections data and increase use of social media.

Work in partnership with Glasgow Life and the National Library of

Scotland to develop and launch the Kelvin Hall Portal giving digital

access to the collections held by all partners.

Expand audience engagement programme including those aimed at

younger audiences.

Expand Festivals and late night events.

Further develop partnership with Cottier Chamber Project in order to

build live music in galleries programming.

Support University of Glasgow’s community engagement strategy.

Provide an excellent and inspiring visitor experience

Maintain 4* status in VisitScotland QA system for visitor attractions and plan for 5* offer at Kelvin Hall Phase 2.

Build Hunterian community of support and patronage

Develop Friends events programme and sponsorship; continue active recruitment campaign; and develop dedicated stewardship activity for embryonic Patrons group.

3. Developing our sector’s workforce and next generation 4. Building national and global connections

Position The Hunterian as a global leader in

developing the workforce and next generation

in the museums and cultural sectors

(professionals and students)

Develop our professional development training offer for the museums

and heritage sector - launch start up programme in Academy for

Cultural and Heritage Skills at Kelvin Hall in 2016-17, with international

summer school for 2017.

Inspire and develop University of Glasgow

students through expansion of our innovative

student engagement offer

Integrate students in the life of the museum and visitor experience, leading to a truly distinctive public programme.

Expand and diversify MUSEs programme, creating increased and broader tour programme, with new focus on life and physical sciences.

Expand the PGR Hunterian Associates Programme (HAP), to achieve wider cross-College participation.

Maintain and evaluate current College of Arts UG/PG credit-bearing work placements.

Extend placement offer, enabling University of Glasgow students to support delivery of Wider Achievement Qualifications in secondary schools through object based learning.

Develop innovative postgraduate curatorial

training programmes

Launch portfolio of 12 PGT programmes in curatorial skills at Kelvin Hall from 2016-17.

Launch International Summer School taster programme in 2017 for these programmes.

Collaborate with HATII on the development of a new digital curation PGT programme.

Explore opportunities and funding sources to create a new Programme of Graduate Curatorial Internships for PhD and recent PhD recipients.

Develop early career curatorial experience by engaging with the permanent collection and exhibition projects – explore funding options with external funders to establish pilot programme.

Launch Postgraduate Research collections

research skills pilot offer

Collaborate with Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities on

new collections research skills Summer School for national PGR

Extend the reach of the Hunterian collections

nationally and internationally through active

loans programme

Align loans to Hunterian research and learning priorities and

University and Hunterian strategic partnerships.

Develop 2018 Enlightenment loan as part of the strategic research

partnership with North American institutions.

Establish partnerships and collaborations to

deliver joint exhibition and education

programmes to bring Hunterian collections to

a wider audience

Deliver existing joint ventures with e.g. Perth City Museums (Cradle of

Scotland), NMM (Travellers’ Tails), Museum of London/Wellcome Trust

(Skeletons) and with Anthony D’Offay (Damian Hirst loan exhibit).

Connect with the wider museum world,

establishing partnerships and collaborations,

to influence museum policy and practice

Following successful Glasgow Internationalisation Partners

Development Fund workshop in May 2015, work with partners to

submit Leverhulme International Network bid for incubating an

international peer consortium and funding for operationalising

collections research and teaching within core academic programmes

Develop exchanges between professionals

and students, nationally and internationally, to

share our experiences

As the Institution which holds the Whistler Estate, develop our leading

role in the international Lunder Consortium for Whistler Studies.

Facilitate Scottish Network on Digital Cultural Resources Evaluation

(RSE funded).

Develop research connections, converting

outcomes into public programmes which

reach new audiences

Appointment of Mount Stuart Curatorial Fellow to develop academic

programme and exhibition concept for loan of Mt Stuart artworks for

exhibition on 2017; agree proposals for studentship programme.

Develop Enlightenment and Re-Enlightenment research networks

(Yale, Goettingen, Uppsala, Edinburgh universities).

Support the University’s internationalisation

agenda

Contribute to current initiatives to build academic and professional

exchanges with University of Glasgow European priority partners.

5. Investing in our people, processes and systems

Support our people through transition to

Kelvin Hall

Ensure effective continuation of Kelvin Hall internal communication

strategy for staff.

Involve staff, via team workshops, on detailed design planning for

office move.

Engage with HR via Behavioural framework to ensure excellent

working practices ahead of move.

Review organisational structures to ensure we are fit for purpose in

Kelvin Hall.

Excellent processes to maximise efficiency

and effectiveness of our work

Develop planning tools to ensure effective project management.

Finalise and implement exhibition protocols.

Excellent systems to support our

organisational goals

Extend system use and training for KE EMu collections management

system across The Hunterian for use in exhibition development, image

supply, etc.

Develop KE EMu user support programme, including Sharepoint

support.

Collaborate with Centre for Open Studies on the development of an

effective booking engine for courses and events.

Ensure that high standards of operational/ administrative practices are

maintained and implemented in keeping with UofG/Government

regulations – e.g. Core HR, Procurement and Finance.

Invest in on-going administrative collaborations and training

programmes with University Services, ensuring that The Hunterian’ s

systems remain relevant and function strategically.

The Hunterian

University of Glasgow

Glasgow G12 8QQ

www.glasgow.ac.uk/hunterian

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401