Minister blocks export of national treasure
15 Apr 2014 03:45 PM
Rare mirror to be sent abroad unless matching
offer of £33,000 can be found
An
extremely rare Bronze mirror, dating from the Iron Age and discovered near
Didcot , Oxfordshire, has had a temporary export bar placed on it to provide a
last chance to raise the £33,000 needed to keep it in the
UK.
The
mirror is made of copper-alloy and its complex and beautiful decoration is an
unusual and innovative example of Celtic ‘mirror-style’ art’.
Discovered by a metal detectorist in the Didcot area prior to 2007, it is a
rarity – there are only 18 complete and decorated mirrors are known from
the later Iron Age (300 BC – AD 50).
Mirrors from southern England, like this specimen are
highly significant for our understanding of the later Iron Age, and offer
important insights into the social changes which occurred in the century before
the Roman conquest in AD 43.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said:
“The Didcot Mirror is a beautiful object dating
from the Iron Age and would be a tremendous addition to any one of our many
outstanding national, regional and local museums. I hope the export bar
I’ve placed on the mirror allows time for a UK buyer to come forward and
secure it for the nation.”
The
decision on the export licence application for the Mirror will be deferred for
a period ending on 14 June 2014, however this may be extended until 14
September inclusive if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase the
Mirror is made.
Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing
the mirror should contact RCEWA on 0845 300 6200.
Additional Information
Press Release (MS Word
Document, 82.8KB)