Collection Highlights

Reflecting its British origins, the Museum covers prehistoric Europe, Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman Empire and Medieval Europe up to modern times. The Ancient and Classical World is represented with artefacts from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, Persia, Greece, the Etruscans and ancient Cyprus.  There are also collections from the Islamic world, South East Asia, China, Japan and India. 

The collections include prehistoric stone and bone tools, ceramics, glass, stained glass, metalwork, coins, sculpture, carvings, lacquerware, illuminated manuscripts and rare books. Our art collection includes Renaissance and Baroque paintings, frescos, water colours and icons.

SWANDSCOMB HANDAXE

The Prehistoric World

GREEK PLATE

The Classical World

Armour

Arms and Armour

Fashion Plates

Ladies of Fashion

Manuscripts

Letters of Gold – Illuminated Manuscripts

Japan

Japan – Shadow of the Shoguns

Medieval World

Medieval Europe (600-1550AD)

fan

Victorian England (1800-1900AD)

TANG HORSE AND RIDER

China – Land of the Dragon

QUEEN ANNE PRAYER BOOK

Later Europe (1550-1750AD)

Stained Glass

Art of Light – Stained glass

Egyptian Cartonnage Mask

Pharaoh’s Egypt

QURAN

The Triumph of Islam

Sumerian ruler

The Ancient Near East

India & SE Asia

India and Southeast Asia

bead apron

Bling through the Ages

Old Masters Painting

European Works of Art (14th-19th century)

CASSAVA GRATER

South from Alaska! The Americas

Australia's First People

Peoples of the Southern Oceans

winged goblet

Glassware – Transparent Beauty