Only UK showing of spectacular exhibition of ancient Georgian treasures opens at The Fitzwilliam Museum

From the Land of the Golden Fleece: Tomb Treasures of Ancient Georgia has opened to the public, with a spectacular array of gold, silver and bronze artefacts going on display in the only UK showing of this remarkable exhibition. The collection of 2000 year-old tomb and temple treasures from Ancient Colchis - the ‘land of the Golden Fleece’ in Greek mythology, now part of the Republic of Georgia - was unveiled yesterday (2 October). The Fitzwilliam Museum is the only UK museum to host this remarkable exhibition of over 140 objects, which includes exquisite gold jewellery, bronze statues and figurines and silver bowls from tombs and sanctuaries at Vani, a rich ancient Colchian city.

The Director of the Georgian National Museum, Professor David Lordkipanidze (pictured right, with Fitzwilliam Museum Director Dr. Timothy Potts, left), flew from Tbilisi for the exhibition opening. ‘This exhibition shows Georgia is about culture,’ he said, ‘and not just a conflict zone.’

Footage from the exhibition is available from the Cambridge Evening News website: view here

From the Land of the Golden Fleece Podcast - now onlineA new podcast presented by Fitzwilliam Museum Director Dr. Timothy Potts explores this exhibition, examining several of its highlights close-up and explaining the local rituals, lavish burial practices and remarkable craftsmanship of Ancient Colchis. View the podcast

Visit the exhibition mini-site with Online Exhibition

3 October 2008