This year the Treasure act celebrates its 20th anniversary (the act became law in Sept 1996) and to celebrate all museums have flagged up Treasure cases on permanent display (look out for T20 stickers). In addition Leicestershire museums have created temporary displays of all the other Treasure in their ownership (largely recent acquisitions).
The anniversary is a good opportunity to remind you that all accredited museums in the two Counties have a right to be consulted about the possible acquisition of Treasure. Once I have processed a Treasure case and the British Museum has disclaimed its interest, I can ask local museums if they are interest in acquiring. This will determine whether or not an inquest has to be held. Once this has been completed the object is provisionally valued, the museum will be sent this and asked again if they still wish to proceed, so you are under no obligation to purchase the item if it is deemed too expensive.
I would be very grateful if you could let me know if your museum is interested in being informed about Treasure cases and provide me with a main contact? It would be wonderful to get much more Treasure into local museums.
For more info about the process please click here.
To provide a museum contact please email Wendy Scott (FLO) wendy.scott@leics.gov.uk 0116 3058325
