Friends of the Falconer Museum's Stories in Stone exhibition on at Forres Town Hall
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FORRES Town Hall is hosting an exhibition focussed on another much-loved Victorian building at the centre of town.
The Friends of the Falconer Museum (FFM) are delighted to announce their popular ‘Stories in Stone’ exhibition is on show again, offering the chance to learn about the statues adorning the Tolbooth Street building’s walls.
FFM chairman, John Barrett, confirmed December’s Falconer Museum exhibition in the Tolbooth was well attended.
He said: “Stories in Stone celebrates the museum exterior and the 150 years since it first opened its doors in 1872.
“The exhibition tells the stories of the sculpted heads that embellish the north and west façades. These portraits immortalise the scientists and cultural worthies who played a part in the life and work of the polymath physician, botanist, palaeontologist, archaeologist, Hugh Falconer, whose fossil assemblages established the foundation collection of the museum created in his name.”
The display in the Wee Gallery at Forres Town Hall is being staged with the support of Forres Area Community Trust (FACT).
FACT development officer Debbie Herron said: “The story of the Falconer Museum’s scientists and individuals who impacted their lives is one that many folk didn’t really know so the exhibition is certainly worth a visit.
“I would like to thank the Friends of the Falconer Museum for providing the pieces and to Nahed Gadalla for the professional way she installed the works.”
Admission is free during the town hall’s usual opening hours (10am-noon, Monday to Friday).
Dr Barrett said: “The Falconer Museum has been shut by Moray Council and its stunning collections of local history, archaeology and natural history are inaccessible. But we can still admire the exterior as an architectural gem in the heart of Forres.”
The display also showcases new book ‘Science and Imagination’, a collection of the best of contributions to an essay competition conducted during 2022 as part of the Falconer 150 celebrations. It is available for £8.50 from bookshops and online booksellers.
Dr Barrett added: “Donations to Friends of the Falconer Museum or FACT are welcomed. Or why not become a member of the Friends, supporting your museum. Please join the fight to reopen this important institution in the heart of Forres. Contact us at falconerfriends@gmail.com.”
