Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities

Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities is a department of the British Museum that focuses on the collection, conservation, and exhibition of artifacts from the Medieval period to the Renaissance. The department's collection includes objects from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, spanning from the Fall of the Western Roman Empire to the Reformation. The department works closely with other institutions, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery, to promote the understanding and appreciation of Medieval art and Renaissance art. The department's curators have collaborated with scholars from University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University of London to advance the field of Medieval studies.

● History of

the Department The Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities was established in the late 19th century, with the appointment of Augustus Wollaston Franks as the first keeper of the department. Franks played a significant role in shaping the department's collection, acquiring objects such as the Lewis Chessmen and the Royal Gold Cup. The department has since been led by notable curators, including O.M. Dalton and John Beckwith, who have contributed to the growth and development of the collection. The department has also been involved in significant excavations, such as the Sutton Hoo excavation, which was led by Basil Brown and Charles Phillips. The department's history is closely tied to that of the British Museum, which was founded by Sir Hans Sloane and has been supported by King George II and Parliament of the United Kingdom.

● Collections and Exhibitions

The Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities has a vast collection of objects, including Illuminated manuscripts, such as the Lindisfarne Gospels and the St. Cuthbert Gospel, as well as Sculpture and Metalwork from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. The department's collection also includes objects from the Byzantine Empire, such as the Byzantine mosaics and the Melisende Psalter. The department has organized several notable exhibitions, including the Treasures of the British Museum exhibition, which featured objects such as the Mildenhall Treasure and the Lycurgus Cup. The department has also collaborated with other institutions, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre, to organize exhibitions on topics such as Medieval art and Renaissance art. The department's exhibitions have been supported by organizations such as the Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

● Conservation and Research

The Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities is committed to the conservation and research of its collection. The department's conservators use a range of techniques, including Radiocarbon dating and X-ray computed tomography, to analyze and conserve objects such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the Domesday Book. The department's researchers have made significant contributions to the field of Medieval studies, publishing works on topics such as Medieval archaeology and Medieval history. The department has also collaborated with other institutions, such as the University of California, Berkeley and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, to advance the field of Medieval studies. The department's research has been supported by organizations such as the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust.

● Notable Objects and Discoveries

The Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities has a number of notable objects in its collection, including the Sutton Hoo helmet and the Staffordshire Hoard. The department has also been involved in several significant discoveries, such as the Discovery of the tomb of Richard III and the Excavation of the Mary Rose. The department's curators have worked closely with scholars from University of Leicester and University of Southampton to analyze and interpret these discoveries. The department's collection also includes objects from the Crusades, such as the Crusader sword and the Crusader helmet, as well as objects from the Hundred Years' War, such as the Battle of Agincourt and the Treaty of Troyes.

● Curatorial and Educational Activities

The Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities offers a range of curatorial and educational activities, including Guided tours and Lectures on topics such as Medieval art and Renaissance art. The department's curators have also developed a range of educational resources, including Teaching packs and Online courses, to support the teaching of Medieval studies in schools and universities. The department has collaborated with other institutions, such as the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Britain, to develop educational programs and resources. The department's educational activities have been supported by organizations such as the Department for Education and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The department has also worked with scholars from University of York and University of Manchester to develop new approaches to teaching Medieval studies. Category:British Museum departments