MR GEORGE DONALDSON

MR GEORGE DONALDSON The University of Aberdeen School of Education Research PG pref glesliedonaldson@abdn.ac.uk

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Address

The Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen

MacRobert Building

King'sCollege, Aberdeen

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Biography

I pursued a varied career in industry and teaching before becoming a mature student at the University of Aberdeen.  I served an apprenticeship in precision mechanical engineering specialising in the production of pneumatic tools,  As a journeyman I spent two years machining and inspecting Rolls-Royce aero-engine components.  After study at Aberdeen College of Education I gained the qualification to teach Technical Education in secondary schools.  I taught for thirty years and during that time gained further qualifications to become Principal Teacher of Guidance and later Principal Teacher of Special Needs. The degree of BA (OU) was gained during this time.  On retirement I embraced the academic life as a student gaining an MA (Hons) in History of Art (Aberdeen University) and an M.Litt. (Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen).

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Research Interests

My voluntary work with Tarves Heritage Centre, my interest in Art History and my practical background in crafts and trades led me to take a special interest in studying material culture with reference to the design and crafting of utilitarian and creative artefacts.

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Research Topic

My research topic is "The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen".  I feel extremely privileged to have been granted access to Trinity Hall and the records of each trade, the Convener Court and other management committees.  I hope to complete a history of the Incorporated Trades from the 19th century to the present and submit a thesis to fulfil the requirements of a PhD.  The thesis will have a historical and ethnological basis.  This is a fascinating and fruitful area of research.

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