A “travelling exhibition” featuring archaeological finds from Russia, Poland and the Ukraine is to go on display at the Tower Museum in Derry next week.
Jewellery items from the “Treasures of the Middle Ages” exhibition.
“Treasures of the Middle Ages” has been developed by Derry City Council’s Heritage and Museum Service in partnership with museum colleges at the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw, combined with the support of Down County Museum, Mid Antrim Museums and Coleraine Borough Council.
The exhibition, which will open on Saturday 18 January next, will display a number of historical items from archaeological sites in Poland, Russia and the Ukraine including some exquisite jewellery pieces which date back to the Medieval period and show the great artistic skill of early medieval Polish Craftsmen.
The opening of the exhibition will be celebrated with a family activity day to include arts and crafts and jewellery making, along with a chance to get to meet staff who developed the exhibition.
Derry Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly said he had “no doubt” the Derry public would find the display “mesmerising.”
He said: “This exhibition will bring a new interest in art throughout the city following the success of the Turner Prize at Ebrington Square and the Broighter Hoard exhibition that took place in the Tower Museum in November.
“I have no doubt the people of Derry-Londonderry will be mesmerized by the stunning collections available on view. The opening day will offer a chance for those of all ages to come and experience the exhibition in a fun and interactive way.”
The objects in the exhibition are the most valuable items from the collections of the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw and display a variety of different styles and types of jewellery in use during the early medieval period.
The exhibits are from a range of archaeological sites and were uncovered by a number of archaeologists – amateur and professional – from dates as early as the nienteenth century.”
Included are simple items such jewellery made from bronze and also highly sophisticated objects made of silver and gold worn as symbols of prestige and status.
Unique and historic pieces includes rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, glass ornaments, brooches, crosses, belt buckles and so-called “temple rings” suspended from head-bands.
The objects displayed in this exhibition were found in Poland, Russia and Ukraine. A special place is devoted to a magnificent treasure found in Borucin in Northern Poland dating to around the year 1050 AD.
The exhibition is supported by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage and funds allocated by the Marshal’s Office of Mazowieckie Voivodship Poland.
The Family Open Day will take place on the first 12.00 n0on – 3.00pm on the opening day of the exhibition. This is a free event and is open to all members of the public of all ages.
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