The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Abbotsbury & the Swannery

News

Appeal under way to save Iron Age treasure for Dorset


The Dorset County Museum is asking for help to raise £23,000 to buy the Chesil Mirror, found by a metal detectorist near Abbotsbury in 2010.

The copper alloy mirror is characteristic of the late Iron Age and is similar to the Portesham Mirror that is already part of the Dorchester museum's collection.

Fewer than 30 mirrors of the type have been found in the UK.

The Chesil Mirror was among the grave goods in a burial dating to the time of the Roman conquest between Abbotsbury and Chickerell.

The grave goods included two brooches, an armlet, copper tweezers, coins and several glass beads.

The collection was declared treasure last year and the Secretary of State set its value at £23,000.

An appeal was started among museum members earlier this year but this week sees the start of a major campaign to raise the sum.

Museum director Jon Murden said: "This mirror is very important to us because it is closely connected with the one we acquired in 1994 and is decorated in a similar way.

"These rare and fascinating objects are significant because they tell us so much about power and wealth in iron Age Dorset.

"We hope this appeal will encourage local people to support us so that we can buy the mirror and give it pride of place in our Archaeology Gallery."

The museum is planning a series of fundraising events and will be applying for various funds and grants to help with the purchase.

An appeal fund has been set up and people can donate by cheque payable to DNHAS to the Chesil Mirror Appeal, Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA.

Fundraising events include a lecture on 30th November by Professor Andrew Fitzpatrick of Wessex Archaeology. He will talk about the significance of the Chesil Mirror and explain how it fits into our wider understanding of Iron Age Dorset.

http://www.dorchesterpeople.co.uk/Appeal-way-save-Iron-Age-treasure-Dorset/story-17004835-detail/story.html
texlahoma Posted by texlahoma
29th September 2012ce

Comments (0)

You must be logged in to add a comment