York archaeologist opens new-look Bolton museum

Posted on 21 September 2018

University of York archaeologist, Professor Joann Fletcher, will open a new exhibition of Egyptian artefacts at the newly refurbished Bolton museum.

Visitors to the museum will be able to learn about the world of pharaohs

Visitors to ‘Bolton’s Egypt’ will be able to explore a reproduction of the burial chamber of Thurmose III and learn about the town’s links to the world of pharaohs and pyramids.

In the 19^th Century the Egypt Exploration Society helped to raise funds for excavations in Egypt and donated numerous finds to the Chadwick Museum – the Victorian forerunner for Bolton Museum – through its involvement with a local town resident.

Spectacular collection

Professor Fletcher said: “Bolton is recognised internationally as the home of a spectacular collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. What makes them particularly special is that so many of them have a provenance, a proper back story.

“The museum has objects from every period of Egypt's ancient history, including a collection of textiles so unique they've allowed us to pinpoint the very beginnings of Egyptian mummification.”

Professor Fletcher is Lead Ambassador for the Egypt Exploration Society and will open the new exhibition with Dr Margaret Mountford, Chairman of the Society.

£3.8M project

The museum has been closed since December 2016 while the work has been taking place. The project also includes work to the other exhibition spaces in the museum and art gallery along with essential maintenance to the Grade II listed building.

The £3.8 million scheme also includes a new nature gallery and new gallery galled Bolton’s Art.

Professor Fletcher will officially open the exhibition on Friday, 21 September and the museum will open to members of the public on Saturday 22 September.