Date issued: 25 July 2019
Colchester Castle’s exciting new exhibition Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story, opens this Saturday, 27 July.
Be one of the first to visit this weekend and be wowed by the stunning jewellery on display. This is the first major exhibition to be held at Colchester Castle since it reopened in 2014 following a major refurbishment and has been two-and-a-half years in the planning.
Visitors are invited to journey through time from Bronze Age beginnings, to today’s modern makers, taking in over 200 star objects along the way. Marvel at objects over 3,000 years old, including jewellery from as far across the Roman Empire as Pompeii, which is kindly on loan from the British Museum.
The exhibition will be housed in the Castle’s chapel, which has been transformed into an incredible space filled with golden light, where dazzling objects fill irregular alcoves and impressive graphics pull visitors into the narrative of the human stories.
Adorn is a truly family-friendly exhibition. Younger castle guests can navigate their own way around the chapel space, with the help of our new explorer backpacks. Set them on their way to follow the Adorn treasure trail and solve the clues!
For a more in-depth exploration of Adorn, bring the children along to our Razzle Dazzle children’s party on the 2 August. History comes to life when the children can handle some of the objects on display – a once in a lifetime experience. Plus, plenty of party games and fun will be on offer. After all, it is a party!
Throughout the duration of the exhibition, there are plenty of Adorn-themed events for the whole family to enjoy. For the older guests, there are opportunities to learn more about historic jewellery techniques and even make your very-own original masterpiece with our Copper Bulla and Knot Ring workshops. Or, if you prefer, relax with a hot drink and enjoy one of our informative Tea and Torcs lectures and soak up the expertise of our curatorial team.
For the children, the summer holidays offer plenty of opportunities to create their own items of adornment – from t-shirts, keyrings and charms, treasure chests and recycled jewellery. Find out more at colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “I would like to encourage as many people as possible to visit Colchester Castle this summer and see Adorn for themselves. With the Castle packed full of interactive exhibits, there is plenty for the whole family to do. Adorn is included in Castle admission so offers excellent value for money.
“Don’t forget: if you are a resident of Colchester, ask for information about the Resident Pass to ensure you can visit as many times as you like during a year.”
Page last reviewed: 25 July 2019