Joint talk with the Materials Society, Secrets of the Anglo-Saxon goldsmith: Scientific results from the analysis of the Staffordshire Hoard gold, Dr Eleanor Blakelock.
The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard in 2009 led to the development of a cross-disciplinary programme to conserve, research and disseminate the find. The Hoard consists of the largest assemblage of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver objects, most of which is battle regalia. Most of the material belongs to the sixth to seventh centuries and much is richly decorated with intricate interlace patterns carried out using a variety of techniques including cloisonné garnet and filigree. Many different raw materials were brought together to create the objects in the hoard, including; precious metals, garnets, glass, organics and other inlays. As part of the wider research project studying the Staffordshire Hoard a ground breaking study of the gold was carried out. The work has revealed more details about workshop practice and from this it is possible to outline some of the decisions made by the goldsmiths in the Anglo-Saxon period to enhance the appearance of the objects.
The talk with be at the Hunday Manor Hotel.
The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard in 2009 led to the development of a cross-disciplinary programme to conserve, research and disseminate the find. The Hoard consists of the largest assemblage of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver objects, most of which is battle regalia. Most of the material belongs to the sixth to seventh centuries and much is richly decorated with intricate interlace patterns carried out using a variety of techniques including cloisonné garnet and filigree. Many different raw materials were brought together to create the objects in the hoard, including; precious metals, garnets, glass, organics and other inlays. As part of the wider research project studying the Staffordshire Hoard a ground breaking study of the gold was carried out. The work has revealed more details about workshop practice and from this it is possible to outline some of the decisions made by the goldsmiths in the Anglo-Saxon period to enhance the appearance of the objects.
The talk with be at the Hunday Manor Hotel.