Egyptian treasures move into new home
TUTANKHAMUN’S ring, a statuette of Queen Tiye and a mummy case can all be viewed again as Macclesfield’s treasured Egyptian collection goes on display at its new home.
The exhibits will be unveiled at the Silk Museum, on Park Lane, at a launch event on Saturday, February 16.
Previously the items had been at West Park Museum but its dilapidated state meant a new location was needed and some had been withdrawn because the poor conditions were causing them damage.
The new display will explore connections between Marianne Brocklehurst’s collection and Macclesfield’s silk industry.
John Varney, chair of the Silk Heritage Trust, said: “We are thrilled that the new research carried out by the museum’s curatorial team, has shown that many objects are even more significant than we thought.
“And this new display puts many more objects on show so that local people can enjoy more of this important heritage for the town.”
Marianne was the daughter of silk manufacturer John Brocklehurst, who was Macclesfield’s first MP.
Her family’s wealth and social standing provided the resources for her to travel extensively in Europe and the Middle East.
In 1873-74 Marianne, along with her companion Mary Booth, journeyed up the Nile and she kept a personal diary that can also be viewed.
She handed over the artefacts she collected to the town of Macclesfield to be put on public display.
A celebratory open day will also take place at the launch of the collection and it includes family activities such as mummy mask making.
There will be craft demonstrations in the Maker’s Place and coffee and cake will be available for visitors.
The display will be officially opened by Councillor Lesley Smetham, the Mayor of Cheshire East, at 11.30am and runs until 2020.
Cheshire East Council is looking to find £675,000 for restoration work at West Park Museum next year.
The Silk Heritage Trust runs Macclesfield’s museums on behalf of the council, which owns them.
These also include Paradise Mill and the Old Sunday School and the trust works with the aid of an annual grant of £90,000 from the council.
“This new display puts many more objects on show”