Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is currently hosting a fascinating and experimental exhibition, “Sun & Fire – Life and death at the dawn of history.”
This exhibition offers a glimpse into life in Shropshire between 4500 and 2000 years ago, and serves as a stepping stone towards the refinement and development of the museum’s permanent exhibits.
This period, spanning from roughly 2500 BCE to the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE, is a time shrouded in mystery, as writing does not come down to us. Yet, the people of this era left behind a wealth of artefacts and traces in the landscape, allowing archaeologists to piece together fragments of their lives.
“Sun & Fire” focuses on the vital role heat played in their daily existence. The exhibition explores how fire was used not only for practical purposes like cooking and crafting beautiful objects, but also for ritualistic practices such as cremation. It’s intriguing to consider how these ancient Shropshire inhabitants harnessed fire, a force of nature, to shape their world.
The exhibition also look at the ways these prehistoric people celebrated the sun. Discover how they erected massive stone circles and created dazzling gold objects.
While the exact reasons behind these practices remain uncertain, the exhibition encourages visitors to ponder the beliefs and motivations of our ancestors. It’s a thought-provoking experience, prompting us to connect with these people across millennia.
Visiting “Sun & Fire”:
Location: Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
Dates: Sat 2 Nov, 2024 – Wed 30 Apr, 2025
Tickets: Adults (18+): £4.50 Children: Free (accompanied by a paying adult)
Friends of Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery: £3.50
National Art Pass Members: £2.25
Booking: Tickets can be purchased online and at the museum shop. Friends and National Art Pass members are advised to purchase tickets upon arrival with proof of membership.
The exhibition’s exploration of prehistoric life and death rituals resonates deeply with the tangible experience of the Soulton Long Barrow. Seeing how ancient people interacted with their environment, including the construction of monumental burial mounds, provides valuable context for understanding the enduring human impulse to create lasting memorials. The Soulton Long Barrow, while a modern creation, offers a physical link to the past, prompting reflection on the evolution of burial customs and enriching our understanding of the themes presented in the exhibition.
Photographer Andrew Fusek Peters captured this breathtaking scene at Soulton Long Barrow. The winter solstice sunbeams create a mesmerizing rainbow through the stained-glass window.
If you’re interested in history, archaeology, or simply curious about the lives of those who came before us, “Sun & Fire” is an exhibition well worth visiting.
It’s a chance to connect with Shropshire’s prehistoric past, gain a deeper understanding of the people who shaped the landscape we know today, and witness the development of the museum’s ongoing exploration of local history. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating world of our ancestors!
