GLAM/Newsletter/February 2022/Contents/Estonia report

This Month in GLAM – Volume XII, Issue II, February 2022

Estonia report

An examples of a visual storytelling – two virtual exhibitions

"Rising up to the freedom" virtual exhibition

"Rising up to the freedom" is among the newest additions in the realm of Wikimedia virtual exhibitions and it tells the story of how Estonia regained its independence. It is presented via sets of historical photos by Jaan Künnap, that depict notable events, locations, and people of that era. In gallery setting that exhibits nearly 400 images in ten pages combined with descriptions of what happened and how that related to the photographer. Text is presented in Estonian, English, and Russian.

Künnap has been chosen Wikiphotograper of the Year in both 2019 & 2020 in Estonia. Over the last years, he has added over 5000 images, most of which are from the 1970s‎ & 1980s. To keep them only tucked away in Wikimedia Commons would greatly limit their visibility. A virtual exhibition presents itself as a great way of showcasing those historical sets and calls out for the other photographers of that era to bring their collections into to public domain as well.

"Diamonds for Merit" virtual exhibition

On the 14th of February WMEE opened one more virtual exhibition. It was done in collaboration with the Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood, and it focuses on orders’ insignia decorated with diamonds, as well as emeralds, rubies etc. Small but extremely valuable historical items of which are displayed on current WMEE virtual exhibition "Diamonds for Merit". The museum is truly remarkable in its collections which are unique in Estonia as well as the entire region of the Baltic Sea.

Diamond-studded stars and badges of orders of knighthood were worn at special occasions by members of European royal dynasties and the upper class for centuries. In our newly made exhibition, it´s possible to see just a fraction of the entire collection. We´re hoping to attract many visitors from both Estonian and as well internationally. Our aim was also to demonstrate the possibilities of Wikimedia generally to the wider public and different Estonian museums, starting with the very cooperative Tallinn Museum of Orders of Knighthood.

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