Hoard is back as Royals visit
The Staffordshire Hoard has arrived back in the county where it was discovered with dozens of items never previously displayed taking centre stage in a new exhibition.
The Staffordshire Hoard has arrived back in the county where it was discovered with dozens of items never previously displayed taking centre stage in a new exhibition.
New pieces have been added to the glittering collection – including an H-shape golden garnet and an intricately carved horse head – which will go on display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent from Saturday.
The exhibition comes as the campaign to keep the treasure in the West Midlands was given a royal boost with news that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will view the collection in person next week.
Prince Charles and Camilla will see the Hoard Exhibition at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery as part of a royal visit to the county on Friday, February 19.
Stoke-on-Trent councillor Hazel Lyth, said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming the hoard back to the region. This is the first time the horse's head will be seen in public in 1,400 years. It's an incredible, unique opportunity to marvel at our heritage. The quantity of the collection and craftsmanship involved is breathtaking."
The campaign to keep the Anglo-Saxon treasure, uncovered in a field near near Burntwood, will see the artefacts retained for the Birmingham and Potteries museums.
It has raised £600,000 in donations in a matter of weeks, but the Art Fund – which is managing the fund-raising – is facing a race against the clock as it bids to raise £2.7m before its April 17 deadline.
The campaign has already won the backing from a host of high profile names, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, actress Dame Judi Dench, and historian David Starkey.
And Art Fund Director Stephen Deuchar is hoping the Royal interest will trigger a surge in donations that will keep the campaign on track.
He said today: "I think it is fantastic news that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will be experiencing this treasure first hand.
"With the Prince's long commitment to our archaeological heritage, his interest in the Staffordshire Hoard truly highlights its national and regional significance."
Two large billboards appealing for donations to help keep the hoard in the West Midlands were recently unveiled alongside the M6 motorway.
The exhibition of the 7th Century warrior treasure opens in the Potteries on Saturday, featuring around 80 gold and silver items from the hoard.
Admission is free between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday, and between 2pm to 5pm. The exhibition runs until Sunday, March 7.