Dundee’s DJCAD collection awarded nationally significant status
- Andrew Batchelor
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A major art and design collection managed by the University of Dundee Museums has officially been recognised as a Collection of National Significance.
The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design Collection has received the prestigious recognition as part of a Scottish Government scheme managed by Museums Galleries Scotland, which celebrates nationally significant collections held outside Scotland’s national museums and galleries.
The collection, linked to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD), contains more than 8,000 artworks and artefacts and reflects decades of creative history connected to Dundee and beyond.
DJCAD, which has been part of the University of Dundee since 1994, is regarded as one of the UK’s leading art schools. The recognised collection includes student artwork acquired from annual Degree Shows, works created by notable staff members including painter James McIntosh Patrick and comics artist Dudley D Watkins, as well as donations and bequests from staff and alumni.
The collection spans a wide range of creative mediums including paintings, sculpture, textiles, drawings and prints. It also contains major collections of comics art, artists’ books, animation and video art, helping showcase Dundee’s strong creative and cultural heritage.
Works from the collection are currently featured in the exhibitions Making Sense and Light Show, while additional pieces are displayed across DJCAD and other University of Dundee buildings.
The university said the collection plays an important role not only in public exhibitions but also in teaching, research and preserving the institution’s history.
Dundee’s collection is one of five to receive Recognition this year. Other collections recognised include the Linoleum Collection managed by OnFife, the Photographic Collection at the University of St Andrews, the Oakbank Collection managed by the Scottish Crannog Centre and the Art Collection at the University of Stirling.
The latest announcement brings the total number of Recognised Collections of National Significance in Scotland to 56.
The University of Dundee is also encouraging people to support the future development of the collection through donations to the DJCAD Degree Show Purchase Fund, which helps the university purchase work from graduating students and support emerging creative talent in Dundee.
A spokesperson said: “Over the years DJCAD’s staff and alumni have made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Scotland, the UK and beyond.
“We’re therefore delighted that the artworks and artefacts which tell that story have been Recognised as nationally significant.”
The university added that support for the Degree Show Purchase Fund helps continue investing in “Dundee’s amazing emerging talent.”
