03/07/2024
Top 10% of places to visit worldwide!
Sandwich Guildhall Museum has won a Tripadvisor award and is named one of the top Traveller’s Choice places to visit.
30/05/2024
The Roman Bowl is Here to Stay!
Sandwich Guildhall Museum is delighted to announce that it has successfully acquired the Wingham Roman Bowl. The artefact was purchased on 7th March 2024 with support from the Museums Association Beecroft Bequest and support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund.
Sandwich Guildhall Museum sits under the charity Sandwich Toll Bridge Fund (No. 266738), which is governed by Sandwich Town Council. The museum tells the story of a small town, now a few miles from the sea, which was once one of the most prominent ports in the country. After a National Heritage Lottery funded refurbishment in 2016, the museum reopened with new displays exploring the history of the town from its beginnings through to the Second World War. At the heart of the project was the returning and display of Sandwich’s 1300 issue of the Magna Carta and its sister document, the Charter of the Forest. Discovered in late 2016, the Roman Bowl was loaned to the museum, becoming an important addition to the exhibition.
The Wingham Roman Bowl dates from the 1st Century AD and is said to be the only one of its kind discovered in this country. Metal detectorist, Mark Presland says, “as the finder of the Wingham Bowl, I’m thrilled that Sandwich Guildhall Museum has secured its future, not only for the people of Sandwich, but for the wider community. Finding such a rare and special object is a once in a lifetime experience.”
Sandwich is situated only a couple of miles from the ancient fort at Richborough, the likely landing place of the Romans in AD 43. Found not far from the ancient Roman Road leading to the fort, the copper-alloy bowl shows similarities to two bowls found in Pompeii, one in Germany and another in the Netherlands, making it one of five of this design to have been discovered in the world. It was likely made using a mould filled with melted copper-alloy. Once cast, the bowl was turned on a lathe, possibly to tidy up its shape and produce the concentric rings around the outside and at the base.
Cllr Carter, the Right Worshipful Mayor of Sandwich, says "I am so pleased that the Roman Bowl is now officially owned by Sandwich Guildhall Museum and the people of Sandwich. This is a prominent key exhibit that has for many years now been a favourite for visitors and residents to come and view. It is thanks to the Museum Coordinator for her skill and judgement to enable this success."
Future plans include updates to the artefact’s interpretation, the addition of learning materials related to the Romans, and a new art project supported by two local art societies, launching soon, which will see more people encouraged to engage creatively with history. Additionally, the museum hopes to ensure the bowl receives further conservation work and remains accessible to the public. The Museum Coordinator says, “I would like to note my thanks to the knowledgeable and supportive volunteer team, both those working with the collection and those carrying out front of house duties. They are vital for bringing Sandwich’s history to life and for ensuring the museum can remain open. I am incredibly grateful for all the support received on this project from staff at the Museums Association, Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, and the Department of Britain, Europe, and Prehistory at the British Museum, particularly Dr Sophia Adams for her expertise. After two years of work on this, it is great to be able to share this milestone and I am looking forward to the next phase of the project.”
Sandwich Guildhall Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
About the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund
The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund is a government fund that helps regional museums, record offices and specialist libraries in England and Wales to acquire objects relating to the arts, literature, and history.
It was established at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in 1881 and continues to be part of its nationwide work.
The annual grants budget, currently £725,000 is provided by Arts Council England National Lottery Funding.
Each year, the Purchase Grant Fund considers some 150 applications an awards grants to around 100 organisations, enabling acquisitions of over £3 million to go ahead.
Visit the website: www.vam.ac.uk/purchasegrantfund.
About the Beecroft Bequest
The Beecroft Bequest supports Museum Association members to make acquisitions and grow their collections. The fund supports the development of collections that are relevant to local communities and tells stories that connect with all.
