THE ‘A BRITISH MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT LOAN, GATHERING LIGHT: A BRONZE AGE SUN’ EXHIBITION IS AT THE ROYAL CORNWALL MUSEUM BETWEEN 5 AUGUST AND 5 NOVEMBER 2022
Treasure hunters from far and wide: roll up, roll up and feast your eyes on some of the most historical gold finds that have ever been discovered and displayed in this corner of the world. The ‘A British Museum Spotlight Loan Gathering light: A Bronze Age golden sun‘ exhibition at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro between 5 August and 5 November is full of Cornish gold and ancient treasures, with each item sparkling in terms of both precious metals and rich history.
There’s the sun pendant (pictured) which is the cover star of the exhibition. This ornate piece, one of the greatest gold metalwork finds over the past century in the UK, is more than 2,800 years old and still shines bright like a diamond. It was found in the Shropshire Marches in 2018 and includes a rare depiction of the sun. Then there’s the Towednack Hoard, which consists of nine pieces of Bronze Age gold found in Cornwall in 1931, including four bracelets and two torcs. Each dates back to around 1400 BC and each was found at Amalveor Farm in Towednack parish near St Ives. This awesome golden discovery returns to the Duchy after more than 90 years away.
Also check out the golden lunula in this fascinating exhibition over the summer. This crescent-shaped neck ornament that’s been fashioned out of thinly beaten gold is part of the Royal Cornwall Museum‘s own collection and shows off the sheer skill that was employed by the artisans of the time. It’s actually one of two that were found buried under the ground at Harlyn Bay, near Padstow, in 1854. There are small traces of Cornish tin in the ornament, which is thought to be more than 4,000 years old. Now that’s a historical Cornish gold exhibition!
The British Museum, of course, is behind this precious event as it has loaned many treasure items to the museum in Truro, however it has also been curated by the local team in Cornwall just for the hordes of visitors who tour the historical building in the centre of town every summer and autumn. Expect so many more precious, ornate and fascinating treasure items on display in this unique exhibition. And expect plenty more Cornish gold to marvel at as well. All that glitters is not gold? Try telling that to the curators!