Introduction

What do you keep to remind you of your travels?

Souvenirs help us remember our unique experiences. People have always collected items they consider significant, especially when they travel far from home. Why souvenirs are created and collected reveals connections between the materials, the creators, and the motivations of collectors. Through souvenirs donated to the University of Aberdeen’s museum collections, we can learn more about why these objects were significant enough to bring home.

Acknowledgements

Curated by MLitt Museum Studies students: Lauren Arcangeli, Caeley Currie, Grace McAdam, Charlotte Pierce, Sara Pope, and Mary Simmons.

For their endless support and advice throughout the creation of this exhibit, we’d like to thank Neil Curtis, Jenny Downes, and Niko Sanguinetti.

We’d also like to thank Hannah Clarke, Jim Costin, Caroline Dempsey, Abeer Eladany, Jane Pirie, Sam Revell, Bill Risk, and Jen Shaw for their expertise. And thank you to our graphic designer, Emma Quinn.