Joseph RobsonSummer 2017
Roman Society Museum Bursary 2017
British Museum, Department of Coins and Medals
I would like to thank Dr Fiona Haarer and the Roman Society, for awarding me the placement and bursary at the British Museum’s department of coins & medals.
The BMplacement took place over three weeks in September 2017.The placement was set between my undergraduate degree in Classical Archaeology & Ancient History and before starting a Masters in Classical Archaeology, both at the University of Oxford. It was an excellent opportunity to advance my studies between degrees, and apply them to a challenging and new numismatic project.
The three weeks were primarily dedicated to researching the 8th Earl of Pembroke’s coins and medals; a renowned numismatic collection of the early 18th century that has since been separated. I conducted a full comparative study of the collection’s published version (1746) and two of the four known proof copies. Working with such rare and historically important volumes was deeply rewarding, and provided the perfect chance to get to grips with the fantastic library, collection and galleries of the department. The range of coins included medieval and Arabic coins, which helped to broaden my study of coinage beyond those of the Ancient World.Following the comparative study I was able to explore the composition of each book in greater detail. This entailed original research into Roman Republican aureus hoards, the acquisition policy of the British Museum in the 19th century, and the Earldom of Pembroke’s Graeco-Roman marble collection. The project was completed with a full write-up of findings, which will hopefully result in further research into the Pembroke collections in the future.
I was then tasked with photographing coins of the 3rd century usurper Carausius. The coins form part of the incredible Frome hoard, one of the largest hoards of Roman coins ever found in Britain. The capture process demanded great care (and plenty of patience!), and it was fulfilling to apply and build upon my previous volunteering experience at the Ashmolean Museum, bycontributing to the ongoing work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
The diversity of research projects and curatorial work at the BM’s coins & medals department was extremely exciting, and confirmed my desire to pursue a career in museums and research. I was fortunate to meet and acquire new skillsfrom curators and staff across the BM, which – combined with the offer of further volunteering in the department – made for an invaluable three weeks.
I greatly enjoyed working with and learning from Richard Abdy, curator of Roman and Iron Age coins, and Andrew Burnett of the Royal Numismatic Society. I am thankful to them, Andrew Brown, Sam Moorhead and the rest of the department for their advice, insight, and endless wit throughout my placement.