A rare 3,000-year-old Bronze Age gold dress fastener discovered in Staffordshire has been saved for the public after the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery successfully raised £150,000 through donations and grants. The artefact will go on display in spring 2027 following the museum’s major transformation.
Bronze Age Treasure Secured for the Public
- Discovery: Found in 2023 near Ellastone, Staffordshire, by retired tree surgeon Jonathan Needham using a metal detector.
- Object: A solid gold dress fastener, dating back 3,000 years.
- Rarity: First of its kind found in Britain in almost 30 years; only seven similar pieces are recorded across England and Wales.
- Significance: Worn as a visible display of wealth and status, likely belonging to the elite of Bronze Age society.
Fundraising Success
- Target: £150,000 raised to secure the artefact for the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.
- Funding Sources:
- Public donations
- Friends of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
- Grants from Art Fund, Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, and National Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Outcome: The treasure will remain in Stoke-on-Trent, accessible to the public.
Future Plans
- Public Display: Scheduled for spring 2027, coinciding with the museum’s reopening after a multi-million-pound transformation.
- Outreach Events: Replicas will be showcased during the Festival of Archaeology (July 2026) and Heritage Open Days (September 2026).
- Cultural Impact: The discovery strengthens Staffordshire’s reputation as a hotspot for significant archaeological finds, alongside the Staffordshire Hoard and Leekfrith Torcs.
Why It Matters
- Historical Value: Enhances understanding of Staffordshire’s role in Bronze Age society.
- Community Pride: Local residents and visitors will have access to a nationally important artefact.
- Tourism Boost: The museum’s expanded collection will attract more visitors, reinforcing Stoke-on-Trent’s cultural heritage.
📌 Source: BBC News AOL Yahoo Stoke Nub News 6 Towns Radio
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