The Wighton Collection of Dundee
The Wighton Heritage Centre
The Wighton Heritage Centre for the Study and Appreciation of Scottish Music was opened by Dr. Sheena Wellington on 24th November, 2003. The Centre houses the world-famous Wighton Collection of early printed music and performs a vital role in furthering the study and development of music in Scotland. The Wighton Database is accessible from computer terminals, and the majority of the works may be consulted on microfilm or in digital format. Where a need to view original manuscripts or print works can be demonstrated, these will be made available, subject to security provisions governing their use. The Centre caters for a wide range of interests, from music enthusiasts listening to recordings, through children practising their skills, to amateur and professional recitals. Other music activities not directly related to the spirit of the Wighton Collection may be accommodated from time to time, subject to the space available and acceptable sound levels. The Centre can also be hired for events such as seminars, provided that these do not conflict with its primary purpose.
It can also be hired for a Wedding or Civil Ceremony.
Opening Hours
The Centre is freely accessible during the normal opening hours of the Local History Centre of the Library, subject to prior bookings for musical or other events. The opening hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Wednesday 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Wednesday 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
The Centre may be opened at other times by arrangement.
Booking
It is strongly advised that those wishing to use the Centre for any purpose should contact the booking office to register the intended date, time and duration of their session. This will ensure that the Centre is always available for the proposed purpose.
Tel: 01382 431501Fax: 01382 431558
Email: central.library@dundeecity.gov.uk
Charges
The Centre will be made available free to groups or individuals wishing to pursue non–profit–making activities. These might include, for example, school groups, musical societies or researchers wishing to consult or play their own music or music from the collection. The Centre may be hired for ticketed performances and other events of a commercial nature, such as concerts at which an admission fee is charged, seminars or conference breakout groups. The hire charge is £9.00 per hour (minimum 3 hours), and tea, coffee and biscuits can be provided at a cost of 50 pence per head. Various projectors and a colour TV/video can be provided, each at a cost of £5.00 per booking. The Centre has a current entertainment licence. Music from the collection will be copied by staff on request, at a charge of 50p per sheet. A maximum of 30 sheets will be provided free of charge to groups from schools or further or higher education institutions.
Usage
The Centre may be used by individuals and groups for study, practice, rehearsal and performance, or any other role consistent with its aim. It may also, on occasions, be used in connection with conferences, seminars, ceremonies such as weddings, and similar events, provided that such use does not conflict with its primary purpose. The Centre is not limited to the performance of Scottish music and use of the facilities may from time to time be extended to practitioners of other types of music, subject to the noise limits imposed by its location within a working library. It is envisaged, for example, that jazz, chamber music and folk performances could reasonably be accommodated, but that piping or rock music could not.
Access
The Centre is on the top floor of the Central Library, which is located in the Wellgate Centre. The Library may be approached from the shopping centre (follow the signs) or from Victoria Road. There are disabled car parking bays on Level 4 of the Wellgate car park, and level access to the Library from the fire door adjacent to these bays. Visitors should ring the call bell for assistance. Please note that the Wellgate car park closes at 6.30 p.m. every night. Other car parks, the out–of–town bus station and the railway station are shown on the map below. Various city buses call at the Victoria Road bus stances, which are just outside the main entrance to the Library.
- Download a Dundee City Centre Parking Plan (519KB PDF)
There is easy access to the Wighton Centre and all other parts of the Central Library for disabled users. The doors to the Centre are not automatic, but Library staff will be pleased to assist.
Accommodation
The Centre’s floor area is 80 square metres. It can accommodate a maximum of 50 people for performances, although events requiring a larger performance area would restrict this figure to 35. There is an elliptical performance area on the same level as the remainder of the floor. This “stage” is 1.75 metres from front to rear and 3.25 metres wide. (See plan below).
Equipment
Seating and tables are provided for study or performance, and there is a range of computers and microfilm readers for use by those studying copies of the works. Projectors and screens are available for giving presentations, and an electronic piano is provided for keyboard work.
Resources
The majority of the works in the Wighton Collection may be consulted on microfilm. Where there is a need to consult an original work, this will be provided by staff, subject to evidence of identity (two suitable documents) and the completion of an application form. People consulting original works will be seated in an area covered by CCTV and will be asked to wear cotton gloves when handling the materials. They must observe all the rules governing use of the materials and access may be withdrawn in the event of infringement.
Further Enquiries
The Wighton Heritage Centre is intended for your use and enjoyment. If you have any queries concerning use of the Centre, or if you feel that the rules governing its use might conflict with your proposed venture, please feel free to contact the administrators:
David Kett (Centre Manager)
Tel: 01382 431552
Email: david.kett@dundeecity.gov.uk
Janice Clark (Administrative Assistant)
Tel: 01382 431501
Email: janice.clark@dundeecity.gov.uk
© Dundee City Council 2009 • Created by The Community Information Team
