Latest news with #BoltonMuseum
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 'rare and fascinating' 2,000-year-old hat in a Greater Manchester museum that is only one of three in the world
A 2000-year-old Roman artefact thought one of the best-preserved examples of its kind has gone on display at Bolton Museum. One of only three of its kind, a woollen hat dating back to the Roman Empire is thought to have been designed to keep the sun out of the eyes of soldiers - and keep them cool in harsh desert climates. It is believed to have been made for a member of the Roman military after the conquest of Egypt, following the death of Queen Cleopatra in 30 BC. READ MORE: Urgent CCTV appeal launched after man seen 'attacking children' in Aldi READ MORE: Man, 30, saw £1,300 Universal Credit payment hadn't arrived... the reason left him stunned Appearing to have been adapted for Egyptian conditions such as intense sun and sandstorms, it is considered the best-preserved of its kind in the world. Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, told SWNS: "It's an incredible moment for Bolton to display such a rare and well-preserved item from ancient Egypt. 'This remarkable object not only tells a global story, but it also reminds us of the power our museums have to inspire future generations, right here in Bolton." The piece was donated to Bolton's first museum, The Chadwick Museum in Queen's Park, in 1911 by Sir William Matthew Petrie, a world-leading archaeologist and Egyptologist of the time. The conservation of the hat was done by expert textile conservator Jacqui Hyman, who has worked on projects around the world - from museums to royalty over a career spanning nearly five decades. She called the conservation process of the 'very rare' item a 'unique privilege' 'Planning the appropriate and sensitive treatment was paramount due to its fragility," said Hyman. 'Damage by moths had resulted in areas of missing felt, but by supporting and stabilising these areas with similar hand-dyed fabric, the original shape of the hat was recreated. 'Suddenly, a flat, fragile, boxed item had come to life. This hat was made to be worn, but if only it could talk and tell us who made it and who wore it". Ben Ritherdon, director of Ritherdon & Co who funded the conservation, said: 'It was so exciting to learn that we had such a rare and fascinating object right here on our doorstep, and it was a privilege for us to be able to contribute to its conservation. 'With so many worthy causes for small businesses to support, it's important not to forget that cultural organisations, like our local museums, also rely on businesses in their community.' The Roman hat is on display at the entrance to the Bolton's Egypt galleries and will be there until September 2025. The two other known hats are held at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and a museum in Florence, Italy.
BBC News
09-08-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Bolton Museum displays rare Roman sun hat following restoration
A 2,000-year-old hat intended to keep Roman soldiers cool in the heat of the desert following their conquest of Ancient Egypt has been painstakingly brought back to life. The artefact, believed to be one of only three similar headpieces remaining in the world, was held in storage at Bolton Museum for more than a century until a private donation led to its restoration. Conservator Jacqui Hyman said the felt hat was flat and moth-bitten when it was taken out of the box, and "sensitive treatment was paramount, due to its fragility"."This hat was made to be worn - but if only it could talk and tell us who made it and who wore it," she said. Historians at the museum estimate the head covering was made about 30BC for a member of the Roman military in Egypt following the death of Queen Cleopatra VII, when the ancient kingdom fell under the dominion of the Roman Empire. Similar to other hats used by Roman soldiers at the time, it is thought the headpiece was adapted to provide protection against sandstorms and the hot desert sun. English archaeologist Sir William Flinders Petrie - dubbed by many as the 'man who discovered Egypt - donated the hat to the now-demolished Chadwick Museum in Bolton in has subsequently come under the ownership of Bolton Museum, where it has gone on display for the first time following its by Bolton Council, the museum has a world-renowned collection of more than 12,000 Ancient Egyptian hat restoration was funded by a donation from Darwen-based electrical manufacturers hats from the same period can be seen in only two other museums around the world. One such hat is held at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, and the other at a museum in Florence, Italy. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ancient Egyptian relic kept in storage for 100 years goes on display in Bolton
A rare Ancient Egyptian relic, dating back 2,000 years and which has been kept in storage for more than a century at Bolton Museum, has gone on display for the first time. The head covering - one of only three known to exist - has been conserved and is now on public display for the first time, thanks to the generosity of Darwen firm Ritherdon & Co. Ltd. The others are held at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and a museum in Florence, Italy. Bolton's hat is now considered the best-preserved example in the world. READ MORE: Bolton Museum to purchase Ancient Egyptian statue from owner Bolton Museum reveals King Tut's family life in Egypt collection tour Bolton Museum curator to study PhD in Egyptology Believed to have been made for a member of the Roman military after the conquest of Egypt following the death of Queen Cleopatra in 30 BC, the hat resembles other coverings from the Roman Empire circa 200 CE, though it appears to have been adapted for Egyptian conditions, such as intense sun and sandstorms. Conservator Jacqui Hyman smiles with the newly conserved hat © Ian Trumble Due to the organic woollen material and its age, the hat had deteriorated significantly, having suffered damage from pests and environmental factors; therefore, its extreme rarity means further research is now needed to unlock its full history. The piece was donated to Bolton's first museum, The Chadwick Museum - located in Queen's Park - in 1911 by Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie, a world-leading archaeologist in the late 19th and early 20th Century. Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: "It's an incredible moment for Bolton to display such a rare and well-preserved item from ancient Egypt. 'The generosity of local businesses like Ritherdon & Co. Ltd. demonstrates how culture and community go hand-in-hand. 'This remarkable object not only tells a global story, but it also reminds us of the power our museums have to inspire future generations, right here in Bolton." The conservation of the hat was done by expert textile conservator Jacqui Hyman, who has worked on projects around the world - from museums to royalty, for almost five decades. Funding for the conservation was gifted by Ritherdon & Co. Ltd., a Darwen-based electrical enclosure manufacturer that has been part of the local landscape for over a century. Led by MD Ben Ritherdon, the company has expanded from traditional metalwork into modern EV infrastructure. Internationally renowned Egyptologist, Prof Joann Fletcher presents the Bolton Archaeology and Egyptology Society "Lotus Chalice Award" 2025 to Ritherdon & Co. Ltd, received by its Managing Director, Ben Ritherdon In recognition of their contribution, the Bolton Archaeology and Egyptology Society presented Ritherdon & Co. Ltd. with the Lotus Chalice Award, created in 2024 to honour outstanding contributions to Bolton's Egyptology collections. The award is presented annually to exceptional individuals, businesses, or organisations. Ben Ritherdon, Director of Ritherdon & Co. Ltd, said: 'It was so exciting to learn that we had such a rare and fascinating object right here on our doorstep, in Bolton Museum, and it was a privilege for us to be able to contribute to its conservation. 'With so many worthy causes for small businesses to support, it's important not to forget that regional educational and cultural organisations, like our local museums, also rely on businesses in their community.' Prof Joann Fletcher, internationally renowned Egyptologist, said: "It was such an honour to present this very special award to Ritherdon, whose generous donation has been vital in preserving a rare object. 'Their generosity really reflects the spirit of the award, recognising those making an outstanding contribution to Bolton's world-class Egyptian collection." Jacqui Hyman, Textile Conservator, said: "I had the unique privilege to handle and investigate the construction and conserve this very rare felt hat. 'Planning the appropriate and sensitive treatment was paramount due to its fragility. 'Damage by moths had resulted in areas of missing felt, but by supporting and stabilising these areas with similar hand-dyed fabric, the original shape of the hat was recreated. 'Suddenly, a flat, fragile, boxed item had come to life. 'This hat was made to be worn, but if only it could talk and tell us who made it and who wore it". The Roman hat will be on display in the entrance to the Bolton's Egypt galleries until September 2025, when it will move to a permanent display elsewhere in the museum.
BBC News
23-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Reebok's Bolton roots documented in new film to premiere at museum
A documentary film is set to highlight global sportswear giant Reebok's history of being founded in William Foster founded his track and field spike shoe business in the town for local running designed the racing pumps for the 1924 British Olympic Team, who were immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire, before Reebok was founded in the finished film will premiere at a special exhibition at Bolton Museum in July 2025. The project, in collaboration with Broaden Films, will follow how the business evolved from a small factory in Bolton into one of the earliest mass producers of running Foster's grandsons, Joe and Jeff, launched Reebok in the 1950s with Joe recently revisiting Bolton Museum for a day of documentary will also explore the connections with another local sports shoe company, Norman Walsh Footwear, and their mutual ties with local running clubs like Bolton United Harriers and Horwich RMI Council's Nadeem Ayub, who is cabinet member for culture, said: "It's incredibly exciting for Bolton to be showcasing the rich history of Reebok, a brand that has its roots right here in our town."This project not only celebrates our industrial heritage but also highlights the innovative spirit that has always been part of Bolton's identity." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
The free Greater Manchester museum named the best in the UK
A Greater Manchester museum has been named the best free museum in the UK. It's an excellent option for families looking to keep the kids entertained this half term. Bolton museum topped the list of the best free museums and galleries to visit in the UK. The list, compiled by GoldCo, ranked galleries and museums based on Tripadvisor review and star ratings. They praised all of the attractions as offering "immersive learning' experiences for children. READ MORE: The EU country begging for UK tourists launching new flights from Manchester Airport READ MORE: Emirates are looking for cabin crew in Manchester and perks include paid-for accommodation in Dubai and a tax-free salary Bolton Museum, located in the centre of the town, ranked first on the list thanks to its wealth of displays, spanning the ancient Egyptians to zoology. Its collections are impressive with around 12,000 objects from Egypt, more than 3,500 items of fine art, and around 60,000 botanical specimens and much, much more. The museum also focuses on local history, looking at the area's industrial heritage with artefacts on display. Around 93 per cent of visitors gave the museum a five star review. The museum, housed in Le Mans Crescent, is also home to the region's only public aquarium, located in the basement of the building. It's not the only Greater Manchester museum to make the list. Seven free museums and galleries made the top 100 list, including the Greater Manchester Police Museum, ranked at number 13th, the People's History Museum in 78th and the Manchester Museum in 89th. The top ten free museums in the UK according to the list are: Bolton Museum, Greater Manchester Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Torfaen National Coal Mining Museum, West Yorkshire Lancashire Infantry Museum, Lancashire Watergate Street Gallery, Cheshire RAF Museum Cosford, Shropshire Jet Age Museum, Gloucestershire Leather Museum, Staffordshire Lapworth Museum of Geology, West Midlands The Wallace Collection, Westminster For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
