Come on a journey back to medieval times. Visit this rich and alluring temporary exhibition at Colchester Castle and discover over 400 years of great artistry and skill. Dispelling the myth of an era of darkness and barbarity, this exhibition reveals the true colour and achievement of a fascinating period in our history. This wide ranging exploration of the medieval psyche explores themes such as civic pride, the regal image, religious art and the natural world.
Covering the period from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 this exhibition showcases stunning objects which allow us to explore the workings of the medieval mind. These include jewellery, coins, illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, ceramics,
exquisite examples of church art to personal items owned by ordinary individuals.
Many of these objects have not been on public display in Colchester before. They are drawn from museums and collections all over East Anglia including the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, Norwich Castle Museum and Ipswich School. Art from the local area is a particular theme of this exhibition, highlights are the mysterious painting of the Green Lady of St Osyth, the Colchester town charter of Henry V, the memorial brass of an Ipswich merchant and some rare early reading glasses from Norwich.
‘It has been a great privilege to work on this exhibition’ said Philip Wise, Heritage Manager. ‘It is truly remarkable what is held in store in East Anglia’s museums and collections and this has been a welcome opportunity to put these treasures on public display’.
The exhibition will be displayed in two phases. The first phase will run from December 2009 to July 2010 and the second phase from July 2010 to December 2010.
