The aim of the thematic groupings was to reflect areas of public interest.
It was also to suggest possible content rather than implying an over-riding narrative or historical perspective.
For example, the Glasgow Stories were planned to tell real stories of the city and its people, rather than be a gallery of famous people.
Objects that explain the genius of James Watt would sit alongside objects that speak of sectarianism, violence towards women, mental health care in the city, and the Glaswegian love of Country and Western music.
Similarly, the unique RL Scott Collection of arms and armour was previously somewhat isolated in a gallery of its own. It would now form part of a gallery dealing with conflict and survival.
Weapons that had been used to kill and maim would now be able to viewed in the context of their time and intended use rather than as detached objects.
The Holocaust and Souvenirs of War would help explore, with the help of arms and armour, how inventive humans are at finding new ways to kill people.
Hopefully visitors would now leave wondering ‘Why?’ instead of marvelling at the beautiful filigree work on sword pommels.
These new thematic connections and starting points for contemplative comparison are not intended to lecture and enforce opinion.
They are intended to stimulate the visitor in a reappraisal of a collection they may already be familiar with. They would therefore come to their own conclusions.