Neil Wilkin and Jennifer Wexler will talk about their roles in curating The world of Stonehenge at the British Museum. Neil is Curator of Early Europe (Neolithic and Bronze Age collections). His research focuses on grave goods, votive offerings and the relationships between different strands of archaeological knowledge. Jennifer Wexler is Project Curator working on the exhibition.
The Wiltshire Museum is lending important objects from our collections that are of key importance to this blockbuster exhibition.
The British Museum describes the exhibition:
Shrouded in layers of speculation and folklore, this iconic British monument has spurred myths and legends that persist today. In this special exhibition, the British Museum will reveal the secrets of Stonehenge, shining a light on its purpose, cultural power and the people that created it.
Following the story of Britain and Europe from 4000 to 1000 BC, you’ll learn about the restless and highly connected age of Stonehenge – a period of immense transformation and radical ideas that changed society forever.
The human story behind the stones reveals itself through a variety of fascinating objects. Among these are stone axes from the North Italian Alps, stunning gold jewellery and astonishing examples of early metalwork including the Nebra Sky Disc – the world’s oldest surviving map of the stars. A remarkably preserved 4,000-year-old timber circle dubbed Seahenge also takes centre stage in the show, on loan for the very first time. All these objects offer important clues about the beliefs, rituals, and complex worldview of Neolithic people, helping to build a vivid sense of life for Europe’s earliest ancestors.
Informed by ground-breaking recent archaeological and scientific discoveries, this landmark exhibition offers new insight on one of the world’s great wonders, bringing the true story of Stonehenge into sharper focus than ever before.
Tickets: £7 (£4.50 WANHS members) per screen – booking essential.
Ticket sales close at 5pm on the day of the lecture.
Time: Start 7.30pm
Location: An online event, using Zoom webinar – the link will be emailed on the day of the lecture.
Update 3/3/2022. The links has been sent to all ticket holders. If you book between noon and 5pm, the link will be sent to you before 7pm. If you do not receive the link before the start of the lecture email hello@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk