Highlights of the loans programme

The British Museum has major holdings of archaeological material found in Britain together with national responsibilities under the Treasure Act and through the Portable Antiquities Scheme. These make the long and short-term loan of such material one of our priorities in relation to the UK, with particular reference to the places with which items have close associations.


Gilt silver drinking hornSutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo National Trust Visitor Centre: 14 March – 1 November 2009
Exhibition for 2009: Welcome to the Feast

Since the opening of the Sutton Hoo National Trust Visitor Centre in 2001, the British Museum has provided expertise, long and short-term loans on a regular basis. Object in focus displays now alternate with larger exhibitions. That for 2009, is an exhibition exploring the themes of feasting, ceremony and entertainment in the Anglo-Saxon hall (14 March – 1 November). 


Thetford TreasureThetford Treasure

Ancient House, Museum of Thetford Life, Thetford: 12 May – 13 December 2008

This beautiful 83 piece collection, dated between AD 380–90, was found in superb condition in the Gallows Hill area of Thetford in 1979 and is one of East Anglia's most significant archaeological finds. The loan included some of the most prized objects such as a gold buckle featuring a dancing satyr and the engraved silver spoons. This was the first time it was displayed in Thetford.


Coenwulf mancusCoenwulf mancus

Norwich Castle Museum: 11 July – 18 October 2006
British Library: 24 November 2006 – 25 February 2007
Bedford Museum: 21 July – 16 December 2007

Purchased in 2006 by the British Museum with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund, the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity and the British Museum Friends, as well as a number of individual donors. The coin offers an insight into the expression of royal power and monetary developments in England during Coenwulf's reign (AD 796–821).

Images from top:

Gilt silver drinking horn (Early Anglo-Saxon, 6th – 7th century AD); Gold buckle from the Thetford treasure (Gallows Hill, Thetford, Norfolk AD 380-90); Gold mancus of Coenwulf (Kingdom of Mercia, England, AD 796-821).