Veterans and survivors of war from across the north-east are being urged to come forward and share their stories, photographs and artefacts for an exhibition.
A Gallery of Memories day designed to gather memories from local heroes and their relatives will take place this weekend.
The collected material will then feature as part of a digital exhibition on the Remembrance Hall balcony of the Art Gallery when its £30million refurbishment is completed – due later this year.
With the “greatest generation” of World War II veterans passing away, Aberdeen City Council is keen to preserve their recollections,
Funded by £10million of council money, £10million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £10million from generous benefactors, council chiefs aim for the revamped gallery to become a new cultural centre for the city alongside the Music Hall and renovated Union Terrace Gardens.
The Gallery of Memories is one of a number of projects which will feature in the Remembrance Hall.
A special artwork is being designed by north-east artist Gordon Burnett to honour all those who served in war time and those who remained at home.
Work is also ongoing to create a fully digitised version of the city’s Rolls of Honour, focusing on lives lost during the WWI to mark the 100 year commemoration.
Lists of names of Aberdonians who lost their lives will be projected on the wall opposite the new commission.
The original Rolls of Honour books were on display on a marble shelf in the Remembrance Hall prior to closure, but pages were never turned.
The event will be hosted at Aberdeen Treasure Hub on Granitehill Road in Northfield on Saturday, May 6 from 10am to 2pm.
Tours will run at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm. Places are limited so pre-booking is recommended by calling 01224 523677.
There will be a number of activities including objects with a military connection, a special behind the scenes tour of the new museums collection centre and the opportunity to share a memory via telegram.
Lord Provost George Adam said: “I think it is very important for us with no experience of war to understand what these people went through.
“We must all remember the horrors of war and I think the art gallery will prove to be the perfect place to reflect.”
