ANYONE GOT £3 MILLION TO SPARE?

27-11-2009

Birmingham’s bid to become home to the Staffordshire Hoard has taken a step forward this week, after the collection of recently-discovered treasure was formally valued. Now comes the hard part.....

Birmingham City Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council and have welcomed the final valuation of the Staffordshire Hoard at £3.285 million.

The Treasure Valuation Committee, which met in London on November 25th, recommended the value to the Secretary of State and this has now been agreed with Birmingham and Stoke city councils as well as the finder and landowner of the hoard. It is now hoped that the funds can be found to bring the hoard permanently to the Midlands.

Birmingham cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture Cllr Martin Mullaney said: “It’s great to have a real target to aim for. We are already talking to major potential funders to help us acquire the hoard and bring it home to its rightful place in the ancient kingdom of Mercia.

“Over 42,000 people saw the treasure when it was displayed at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in September, and thanks to the generosity of the public we have already raised almost £40,000 towards our total.

“Achieving this will take a huge, co-ordinated effort and we have already been working hard with partners and had early discussions with fundraising bodies. We want as many people as possible to support the campaign and help ensure we keep this collection in our region.”

The two authorities will jointly acquire the treasure, and have now been given four months to raise the funds. There will be a further public appeal to increase the £40,000 already raised through public donations and a book about the find has already been produced with a £1donation from each sale going to the Hoard appeal.

Cllr Hazel Lyth, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for enterprise and culture, added: “We welcome the valuation of the committee. But now the real work must begin. We are working jointly with Birmingham City Council to acquire the treasure and only have a limited amount of time to raise the funds.”

The fundraising campaign has already gained the support of Government Office West Midlands and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. The two authorities have already been involved in talks with the Heritage Lottery Fund, Art Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund.

A selection of around 80 of the most significant artefacts, including items that have yet to be seen in public, will go on display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent from February 13.

Collection boxes for public donations are available in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery for donations or on line at bmag.org.uk/support-us.

The book, by Dr Kevin Leahy and Roger Bland of the British Museum, is available from the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery shop, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke on Trent and online at staffordshirehoard.org.uk Retailing at £4.99, £1 from each sale goes towards the Hoard Appeal.

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