READING Borough Council is inviting residents to share their views on a new project exploring Reading’s history during the time of the Roman Empire.
It comes after Reading Museum secured £37,000 of development phase funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the ‘Roman Britain – Reimagined in Reading’ project.
The Museum has displayed the nationally significant Silchester Collection from Calleva (present-day Silchester) since 1891.
Calleva is unique as the only Roman British town where the entire area within its defensive walls has been archaeologically explored.
However, since the gallery was last redeveloped in 1993, extensive research, led by the University of Reading, has highlighted the diverse population of Roman Britain, which is not currently portrayed.
The project aims address these gaps and improve the accessibility and enjoyment of the gallery for all visitors.
This gallery redevelopment will help more people learn about Reading’s Roman history, showcasing the Museum’s important Roman artifacts in new and engaging ways.
These would include updated displays, learning materials, and hands-on activities that explore the cultural diversity of Roman Britain.
Organisers anticipate the project would offer new interpretation based on up-to-date archaeological evidence, explore the diversity of Roman Britain’s population, and improve object displays to enhance the visitor experience.
It would also feature Iron Age and Roman finds from the Reading area that have not been previously displayed as well as connect the gallery with the site at Silchester.
The museum has already begun consulting visitors and community partners, including families, young people, refugees, volunteers, schools, and disability groups, about the current Roman gallery and the activities they would like to see.
Residents can give their feedback and find out about Roman talks and activities that they can attend.
These include a series of talks exploring Calleva’s history and archaeology by Professor Michael Fulford, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading, and supported by the Friends of Reading Museum.
The project’s development phase ends this June after which another grant application will be submitted in August for additional funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the new gallery.
If this is successful, match funding has also been secured from the Earley Charity.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said, “We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this initial funding, which will help us to reimagine our presentation of Reading’s Roman heritage.
“The Silchester gallery has long been a popular area of the museum but it is now over thirty years old, so does not reflect current research and scholarship.
“If we are successful in securing the additional funding needed to deliver a new exhibit about the Roman town of Calleva it will enable us to highlight recent discoveries about the cultural and ethnic diversity of Roman Britain and draw parallels with modern Reading’s diverse population.”
She explained: “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect our communities with their local Roman heritage in new and exciting ways.
“By working closely with our residents and community partners we aim to create a space that provides an engaging and inclusive experience for all visitors.”
Residents can give their feedback and find out more about the project via: readingmuseum.org.uk/roman-britain.
