June 2, 2017, by Judith Jesch
First Glimpse of Viking: Rediscover the Legend
Welcome to the Viking blog!
Here we will be sharing stories and information relating to the two Viking exhibitions coming to Lakeside Arts later this year. Viking: Rediscover the Legend will bring together objects from the British Museum and York Museums Trust. It will be on in the Djanogly Gallery from the end of November until early March. In December, Bringing the Vikings Back to the East Midlands will open in the Weston Gallery, and be on until early April.
Both exhibitions are supported by the ‘Bringing Vikings Back to the East Midlands’ project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Team members on this project are Professor Judith Jesch, Director of the Centre for the Study of the Viking Age, and Cultural Engagement Fellow, Dr Roderick Dale.
Preview of Viking: Rediscover the Legend
Some Viking Age themes of the exhibition
Viking: Rediscover the Legend comes to Nottingham after a stint at the Yorkshire Museum, where it opened on the 19th of May. Roderick, Judith and Keeper of the University Museum Dr Clare Pickersgill were privileged to be invited to the preview the night before. After a welcome by television personality Professor Alice Roberts and a glass of bubbly, we were let loose on the exhibition itself.
It was visually striking, as the displays had to be fitted in among the Museum’s collection of medieval stonework. The cases themselves were beautifully arranged and lit, showing a lot of Viking bling to its best advantage. There were many treats such as the recently-discovered Bedale hoard, pictured. Also on display were modern items donated by the general public showing people’s fascination with the Vikings in recent times. Virtual reality headsets allowed visitors to experience the Viking camp at Torksey in Lincolnshire. The exhibition also had its share of talking heads on video screens, including Judith talking about women, families and language.
I can’t wait to see! I love everything about Vikings. I have seen Viking objects at British Museum but it was years ago. Thanks for such a brilliant project.