We’re pleased to share that the museum has completed the purchase of a Bronze Age gold terminal fragment found in St Levan, and a gold memento mori ring dating to 1702 from St. Enoder. They were acquired under the Treasure Act 1996.

The new acquisitions have been made thanks to recent donations to the museum’s Treasure Appeal, and with funding from The ACE/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Art Fund Acquisitions Grant. They should be on display for all to see this autumn.

The Treasure Appeal is a ring-fenced fund which the museum uses to bid for significant historical items, archaeological finds, or works of art discovered in Cornwall which hold intrinsic value for the region.

Finds are coming up more regularly thanks to an increase in metal-detecting and the success of the PAS (Portable Antiquities Scheme) for archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales.

Jeni Woolcock, Collections and Engagement Manager, said: “We are regularly offered beautiful and interesting items which have been valued under the PAS initiative, and are currently working to build on our collection of Bronze Age gold in particular.”

She continued: “However, regional museums such as ours – which receives no regular funding – find it hard to raise the full amount to buy Treasure finds. They sometimes end up with private collectors. Being able to dip into the newly created Treasure Fund means we can be more responsive and competitive.”

The fund received donations of over £1200 from museum members and the public in July allowing these acquisitions to take place; the appeal is ongoing and donations can be made here.

Jeni said: “We have been offered a bronze age gold ingot and other amazing gold objects from the same period, which we’d love to be able to display alongside the rest of our ancient gold collection. The target for these items is £2500 and all donations are gratefully received.”

Acquisition by the museum means items are cared for according to Museum Accreditation standards and put on public display where they can be seen in their wider historical and regional context.

The museum holds over one million artefacts and artworks. From school children to visiting academics, this is where people come to see the region’s treasures, and adding to the collection is part of the RIC’s mission going back two centuries.