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From Buckles to Board Games: Discovering the Timeless Objects of Viking Yorkshire by Ashley Rickman

From Buckles to Board Games: Discovering the Timeless Objects of Viking Yorkshire by Ashley Rickman

Buckle, Anglo-Scandinavian, 866-1066 CE, bone. Have you ever wondered how people in the past prepared for their day? Did they use buckles to fasten their clothing and bags or paring knives to slice fruit for breakfast? And in the evenings, how did they spend their free time? Did they enjoy games and activities with family …

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Butterflies through history by Kate Whiteway

Butterflies through history by Kate Whiteway

Humans have a long-held fascination with butterflies. Their story is one that we can connect with, a story of rebirth, hope, and natural beauty. Our connection exists throughout time and in many different cultures.  Lepidoptera, the order of insects that includes butterflies and moths, first appeared in the fossil record in the late Triassic period, …

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Pushing the Great Auks into Extinction – By Kate Whiteway

Pushing the Great Auks into Extinction – By Kate Whiteway

This blog post was written and researched by Kate Whiteway, a Science Communication (Msc) student from the University of Sheffield who is currently undertaking a placement with us here at the Yorkshire Museum.  Two Great Auks sit in the archives here at The Yorkshire Museum. These specimens and those like them are the only remaining …

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The Path to Painting the Plesiosaur by Kate Whiteway

The Path to Painting the Plesiosaur by Kate Whiteway

This blog post was written and researched by Kate Whiteway, a Science Communication (Msc) student from the University of Sheffield who is currently undertaking a placement with us here at the Yorkshire Museum. When the first plesiosaur was found, what did people think it was? At this Year’s Yorkshire Fossil Festival, our team from …

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New Wildflower Meadow in York Museum Gardens

New Wildflower Meadow in York Museum Gardens

17 June 2024 York Museum Garden Team has created a new wildflower meadow behind York Art Gallery, which is now in full flower and perfect for a summer visit. Steve Williams, Garden Manager, provides an insight into how and why the meadow was created.    We have been delivering projects to support wildlife for some time, including a …

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In Her Own Words: An Interview with Ugonna Hosten by Danae Browne

In Her Own Words: An Interview with Ugonna Hosten by Danae Browne

In December, I had the honour of being able to interview Ugonna Hosten. Hosten, who was commissioned by York Art Gallery to produce the exhibition ‘chi: Altarpieces, Liturgy & Devotion’ as part of the Season of Drawing, has created an extraordinary body of work that considers history, sacred knowledge, spiritual connection, and the creative process. …

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Latin and Greek words in Linnaean taxonomy by Dr Christos Giamakis

Taxonomy in the field of biology is a practice with a long history, starting with Aristotle to Linnaeus and from them to our times. The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC) was among the first who tried to provide a system of classification for animals and plants. It is telling that even the word taxonomy itself has …

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A Knotted History of Slavery in York: Roman Hair and Ovid’s Amores by Will Cavanagh, English Literature student at the University of York

A Knotted History of Slavery in York: Roman Hair and Ovid’s Amores by Will Cavanagh, English Literature student at the University of York

During an excavation in 1875 at the site of what is now York Railway Station, an auburn knot of hair was discovered within a decorated lead coffin, fastened by pins of Whitby jet. It was cut from the head of a young woman who lived between 250 and 410 BC. It is now on display at the Yorkshire …

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D(is) M(anibus)- “To the Spirits of the Departed” – Interpreting the Tombstone: a response to the Yorkshire Museum’s Roman Exhibition, by Hannah Lucas, English Literature student at the University of York

D(is) M(anibus)- “To the Spirits of the Departed” – Interpreting the Tombstone: a response to the Yorkshire Museum’s Roman Exhibition, by Hannah Lucas, English Literature student at the University of York

We recently welcomed English Literature students from the University of York to the Yorkshire Museum for a tour of our Roman galleries. Following the visit, Hannah Lucas wrote this blog exploring how ancient literature can change our understanding of objects. I must admit, I can’t say I’ve ever really wondered about Romano-British burial …

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Julia Domna by Ellie Carrier, English Literature Student at the University of York

We recently welcomed English Literature students from the University of York to the Yorkshire Museum for a tour of our Roman galleries. Following the visit, Ellie Carrier wrote this blog exploring how ancient literature can change our understanding of objects. In the 21st century, the fashion industry is influenced by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, …

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