We need your help to save the West Yorkshire Hoard.
The Friends of Leeds City Museums and the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society are joining forces today to help save this unique and amazing treasure for the city of Leeds.
The story so far
Discovered by a metal detectorist, the West Yorkshire Hoard is made up of seven objects, six of these being items of exquisite gold jewellery dating from 7th to 11th centuries. The first five gold objects were found in 2008, and an additional gold ring and spindle whorl were found in 2009 in the same spot. The most spectacular of the finds is a large complete gold ring with a lozenge-shaped bezel set with a garnet gem. It was made to be displayed as a sign of great wealth and status and is in near perfect condition
These spectacular objects have been classed as ‘Treasure’ under the Treasure Act (1996) and they are currently housed in The British Museum with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Why do we need to raise the money so quickly?
The objects have been valued at £171,310 and Leeds Museums and Galleries have been offered first refusal to purchase the hoard as the local museum service. If we fail to raise the funds the objects may be sold at auction, and will more than likely end up in a private collection and be lost from the public sphere. Our deadline is 15th November to pay for the hoard.
So far the Friends of Leeds City Museums, The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society and The Art Fund have each awarded a grant towards the purchase of these items. But we have just weeks to raise the rest of the money to ensure that we can save this spectacular treasure for the people of Leeds and beyond.
We are working with the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society in running an appeal to raise the additional funds needed to purchase the hoard. Can you help us raise the money by donating too?
I droped a couple of donation forms and £55 in cash into the post box on the ‘staff’ door of the Leeds City Museum this afternoon, as the museum is closed on Mondays. However, I was a little concerned that it might be lifted from the box, so thought I’d email to ensure that it has got through okay.
A very brief confirmation would be great.
Jo
Jo, your very generous donation and gift aid forms have been received and are safe and sound – thank you very much!!
When will we know whether or not the appeal has beeen successful?
Hi Richard, It looks like it will be very early in the new year. Fingers crossed!
It is now the end of March – what is happening? a proper update on the website would be appreciated by all those who answered your appeal.
You may have noticed a new article on the homepage today. We have been waiting for confirmation and the go ahead to make a public statement that the appeal was indeed successful! Many thanks for bearing with us.