Explore the world with the Great Explorers

The British Museum has a collection of world-famous artefacts from ancient civilizations plus key objects and displays related to more recent developments e g Mediaeval Europe and the Enlightenment. Here you can study one of the greatest displays from pharaonic Egypt and the Assyrian Empire, enjoy the Parthenon sculptures from classical Greece and the alluring items from the Anglo Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo etc. But how did these objects end up at the British Museum? Often, the lives of the individuals involved in excavations, or in the sometimes dramatic circumstances of acquisition, are just as fascinating as the objects themselves. Indeed, sometimes rather controversial! The modern scientific approach to archaeology is a very recent phenomenon and in the not so distant past many colourful adventurers, ambassadors, explorers, soldiers and intrepid amateur ‘antiquaries’ had a go at making a name for themselves and their country.

On this tour of the British Museum, we shall be looking at some exceptional items, explain their context and importance, but also explore their provenance and the circumstances of their excavation and arrival at the museum. At a time when many are demanding restitution of items to their country of origin, we would all benefit from knowing a little more of the extraordinary individuals who – rightly or wrongly - sometimes risked both their life and others’ in order that we in the West learn something about the rest of the world. And believe me, there are some remarkable stories to be told and enjoyed in this ‘in-depth but very enjoyable’ tour of one of the world’s greatest museums. This fascinating tour will offer you insights and background knowledge that will help you enjoy the whole museum and future travel to distant lands, as well.