Moments in Time
Moments in Time, our long-term exhibition in Kirkcaldy Galleries, reflects the town’s rich history, from Bronze Age archaeology to philosopher and economist Adam Smith to its industries of linen, whaling, pottery, coal and linoleum, not to mention Raith Rovers FC and the world-famous Links Market.
Here are just a few of the special items to look out for.
Linoleum display
OnFife’s Linoleum Collection, which extends to more than 7,000 items relating to the story of linoleum from 1847 to present day, has been recognised by the Scottish Government and Museums Galleries Scotland as a collection of national significance. This display shows how floor covering was hand printed in the 1880s at Nairn’s in Kirkcaldy. Each operator of the printing process was assisted by a young apprentice known as a tier boy (tier is a Scottish term meaning to spread, or to plaster). It was the job of these boys to spread paint with a roller onto a colour pad. The printer dropped a printing block onto the pad, then placed it on the lino, and printed the pattern using a hand-press, like the one on display.
Pair of pistols used in last fatal duel in Scotland
This last fatal duel took place in the nearby parish of Auchterderran on 23 August 1826, by which time duelling was illegal in Scotland. It was fought between David Landale, a Kirkcaldy linen merchant, and George Morgan, an agent for the Bank of Scotland. There was acrimony between the two, with rumours circulating about Landale’s finances and a complaint made to the bank about Morgan’s behaviour. It escalated to Morgan challenging his foe to a duel, eventually striking him in the street, when, by the rules of honour, a reluctant Landale had to accept the challenge. It did not go well for Morgan, however, and he was killed by Landale, who was later tried and acquitted of murder.
Prime Gilt Box
This wooden chest, secured with iron straps, is from a time long before the welfare state and it kept the funds that would help any sailor in distress. It box belonged to the Prime Gilt Society of Kirkcaldy, which was instituted in 1591, when Kirkcaldy’s maritime trade was growing. Every ship that came into the town’s harbour had to pay what was called the Prime Gilt, a tax levied on the ship’s cargo and on the wages of its mariners and was kept securely in this box. It is distinctive in having three locks, each with a different key held by separate officials, making it difficult for any one member to defraud the society. As well as supporting mariners, the funds helped maintain the Isle of May lighthouse and build a hostel for sailor’s widows near the harbour.
Adam Smith
On 9 March 1776, Kirkcaldy-born Adam Smith published his most pioneering and influential book – An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. By then a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, he wrote much of it in Kirkcaldy while living at 220 High Street. On display are some of his personal belongings, including a snuff mull (a traditional Scottish container used to hold and dispense snuff), ink stand and books from his library. The museum also has a first edition of the Wealth of Nations, which took Smith eleven years to complete. It was published in Edinburgh in two volumes and cost £1.16s 0d. It sold out in only six months.
Pottery cases
Kirkcaldy was one of the main centres of the Scottish pottery industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most famous pieces we have are Wemyss Ware, made at the Fife Pottery by Robert Heron & Sons. The hand painted designs were inspired by chief designer Karel Nekola who came to Fife from Bohemia in the 1880s. Vivid and colourful flowers, fruit, insects and animals decorations became a trademark of the area. One of the most talked about pieces in our collection is a large stoneware garden chair on display at Kirkcaldy Galleries.
Coal Chair
An unusual object carved out of parrot coal by Thomas Williamson in 1855. This material, also known as cannel coal, was used in the 19th century in the production of gas and oil. The term ‘parrot’ is thought to refer to the crackling noise it made when burnt, which was similar to the clicking of a parrot’s beak. Unlike the more brittle household coal, parrot coal can be carved and has a quality and texture similar to marble.