Trip to British Museum

[martin goddard]

I took a trip to THE British Museum.  i.e. the one in London that spawned the "100 objects " series.

Here are some notes on the objects i enjoyed .
I hope it encourages other  members here to visit the museum.

The museum has no entry charge, although a donation is encouraged.

1. The ancient Briton shields and helmets are very finely made. They obviously bought the Airfix boxed set and copied those? The swords and spears were also very interesting. There was a re constricted chariot wheel too. various badges and neck stuff showed wonderful craftsmanship.

2. There was an exhibition focused on Emperor Nero, but I did not visit it (ticketed).  Saw plenty of Roman armour and kit though. Nice/informative  model of a Roman fort (11mm scale?). The Roman Pila were very interesting. the metal pointy shaft  was as thin as 6mm.

3. The Assyrian wall slabs were massive and very well detailed.Showed all the detail of horse foot and chariots. This is where all the pictures in Ospreys/WRG  etc come from.  Of particular merit are the rebuilt Assyrian city gates. About 35+ foot tall.

4. Some late Roman and Viking bits too.

5. The Sutton Hoo (The Dig) pieces. This includes the famous helmet and shield.

Recommended

martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

Thanks for this summary, Martin.

I've seen some of this stuff before, but not the Roman armour.

I think you probably need several days to do full justice to the British Museum. And then they go and keep changing stuff! 

Simon

[Leslie BT]

Lucky enough a few years ago to work around the corner and could visit most lunch times.