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Walk Like an Egyptian

Visitors to Leeds City Museum will be transported back to ancient Egypt from this weekend as a major new exhibition featuring over 130 stunning historic artefacts goes on display.

The touring exhibition entitled ‘Pharaoh: King of Egypt' which showcases objects from the British Museum collection opens on Saturday and runs until Sunday 17 June 2012 at the museum off Millennium Square with admission being free.

Developed by the British Museum in partnership with the Great North Museum, the exhibition explores the lives of the pharaohs and their role as head of state, chief priest and army commanders through objects and artefacts spanning over 3,000 years of history including stunning palace decorations, sculpture, jewellery and papyri.

Themes examined include the realities of ruling a complex society and dealing with issues such as international diplomacy, tomb-robbing, civil war and foreigners on the throne. Among the eye-catching objects on display is a wonderfully-preserved standing wooden tomb guardian representing the figure of Pharaoh Ramses I, who was hugely influential despite a short-lived rule from 1295-1294 BC.

Tomb guardian statues were placed on either side of doors to protect the chambers beyond, and this one was found in the tomb of Ramses I in the Valley of the Kings in Thebes. It is rare for such statues to survive, but two similar guardians were found protecting the burial chamber in the tomb of the most famous pharaoh of them all - Tutankhamun.

Other striking objects on display include a granite statue of Ramses I's grandson Ramses II, who ruled from 1279-1213 BC, and a 3,000-year-old wooden bed dated 1126-1069BC from the Tomb of Pharaoh Ramses IX complete with an intricate design featuring cobras made of gold sheet metal and ebony as well as silver rings.

Among the writing on display is a notable text from 1295-1186BC which tells the story of Pharaoh Amenemhat telling his son Sesostris how he was attacked in the palace as he slept and warning him from the grave to trust no-one in order to avoid the same fate.

The exhibition is free to enter and features audio-visual displays, interactives and family trails. It is also the first major special exhibition of its type to be on display in the museum's central Leeds Arena.

The exhibition complements the famous ‘Leeds Mummy' Nesyamun, who is on permanent display in the ‘Ancient Worlds' section of the museum.

Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said:

"We are all absolutely thrilled that this amazing world-class exhibition on ancient Egypt is now opening for everyone in Leeds to enjoy. The display is absolutely stunning and the artefacts on show are sure to leave anyone who sees it hugely impressed.

"We have to say a huge thank you to the British Museum for bringing it to Leeds, and we look forward to seeing thousands of people coming through the doors between now and June to enjoy this must-see exhibition."

Director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor said:

"Ancient Egypt holds an enduring fascination and this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see such an extraordinary Egyptian collection in Leeds City Museum. We are delighted to be able to work with Leeds in delivering this exhibition."

For the latest information visit www.leeds.gov.uk/kingofegypt or to find out more about Leeds City Museum, visit the website at www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum/

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