Discover the stories behind the sparkle in new exhibition inspired by ULAS find

A new exhibition that invites visitors to explore the meanings, memories and connections behind historic jewellery and the jewellery we treasure will open this January at Charnwood Museum.

Inspired by the remarkable discovery of the 3,500-year-old Bronze Age necklace found in Cossington, Leicestershire, by archaeologists from University of Leicester Archaeological Services, the new exhibition My Jewellery, My Story, bridges together the past and present showcasing artefacts alongside creative displays and stories from Leicestershire’s communities.

The project has been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England as part of the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme of activities in market town museums.

The development of the exhibition involved lots of community groups working alongside Leicestershire County Council’s Culture Leicestershire team, Charnwood Museum and local creative practitioners Alison Mott and Liz Waddell.

Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities said: “This project showcases how powerful and meaningful heritage can be to so many. Jewellery gives individuals the opportunity to express themselves and what they value. 

“It’s great to see so many powerful and resonant shared stories through the common theme of jewellery. I’d encourage residents to visit Charnwood Museum to see the shimmering display for themselves.”

Alongside the unique artefacts from the Leicestershire Museums Collections, visitors can enjoy playful and interactive displays, films that showcase digital storytelling from the project and an engaging trail connecting this exhibition to the display of the original Cossington Necklace. 

A new film by AncientCraftUK is also on display which puts a spotlight on the story of the original necklace and its discovery by archaeologists from University of Leicester Archaeological Services – from analysis to recreation.

John Thomas, Deputy Director of University of Leicester Archaeological Services said: “I can still vividly remember when the necklace was found.  It is such a rare discovery that it created a real buzz of excitement around the ULAS team, and everyone wanted to get close to see it.  

“These composite bead necklaces are associated with complex stories and symbolism from the individuals that wore them in the Bronze Age, and it is fantastic that this still resonates with people today.  It is wonderful to think that this ancient piece of jewellery will inspire people to tell stories about their own relationships to precious objects that they own.”

The replica of the Cossington Necklace, produced by Emma Jones of AncientCraftUK, was used in workshops with communities to inspire them to tell their own jewellery stories. 

Many community groups and organisations contributed to the project bringing to life stories, poetry, photos and giant artworks creating a truly collaborative exhibition. 

Young refugees and asylum seekers from local charity Baca co-created their own section of the exhibition where they have shared what jewellery means to them. 

The exhibition is free admission and open from 25 January – 15 June 2025 at Charnwood Museum.