News

Metal detectors bring history to the surface

(11 February 2005)

From Monday 14 February, Durham’s Old Fulling Mill Museum will host exhibition of remarkable archaeological finds made by local people.

This highlight of the museum’s 2005 exhibition programme will display Roman objects, recovered by enthusiasts from the Dunelme Metal Detecting Club, and is an example of what can be found regularly by detector-users in the region.

The new exhibition has been mounted in collaboration with the Heritage Lottery Funded ‘Portable Antiquities Scheme’ and includes pottery and brooches, as well as bronze and silver coins.

Kim Leach, who organised the display on behalf of the Dunelme Metal Detecting Club said: “We are very happy to have an opportunity to show some of our finds to members of the public. The Portable Antiquities Scheme has been one of the most exciting developments in public archaeology in recent years and has been instrumental in opening up the past to a new generation of enthusiasts.”

Craig Barclay, Curator of University Museums said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to display the Dunelme Club’s finds at the Fulling Mill. The mere fact that such a display is being mounted in a university museum speaks volumes for the positive way in which the links between professional archaeologists and amateur detectorists have developed in recent years. We are all excited at the prospect of showing these 2000-year old artefacts to new audiences and hope that our friendly relations with our local detector club will last for many years to come.”

ends

Photo-call @ 10.00 am, Monday 14 February 2005 at the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology, The Banks, Durham City, DH1 3EB.

For more information contact: Craig Barclay, Curator of University Museums, on 0191 334 5694