Egyptian Hieroglyphs Exhibition at Torquay Museum

Between 21st October 2023 and 18th February 2024, the fascinating story of how hieroglyphs were decoded will be celebrated in a national touring exhibition Egyptian hieroglyphs: unlock the mystery with Torquay Museum being the last stop on the tour. This follows the major show at the British Museum, marking the bicentenary of this breakthrough.

The family-friendly touring exhibition incorporates interactive elements to tell the story. It introduces visitors to great pioneers like Jean-Francois Champollion, who undertook revolutionary work on deciphering the ancient Egyptian language. Objects on display include an extract from the Book of the Dead, belonging to the priestess Nestanebetisheru, and a large limestone lintel revealing the name of Pharoah Ramses III. Join us on a journey to unearth the central role hieroglyphs played in the life and afterlife of the ancient Egyptians.

Help Us Bring the Exhibition to Torquay

The British Museum with the support of the Dorset Foundation in memory of Harry M. Weinrebe, kindly funds many of the direct costs associated with the loan of the exhibition including transport and graphic design. However, some costs such as printing of the interpretation panels still have to be covered by Torquay Museum. We also had to commission two new display cases for some of the objects that will be part of the show. If we reach our target, we will be able to cover some of the following costs. 

Breakdown of the Costs

• Two high-spec display cases - £1,700
• Printing and installation of interpretation - £2,000
• Carpenter to help us install interactive elements - £300
• Storage of crates - £750
• Paint - £100
• Calibration of two humidity sensors - £60

Torquay Museum is a registered charity and doesn't receive any funding from central government. We rely on admissions income to care for our unique collections and any large spend is an obstacle. We are committed to bringing nationally significant exhibitions to Torbay. These enhance the cultural offer for both local people and visitors and help put Torbay on the map as a destination for cultural tourism which helps the local economy.  And that's why we need your help!

Become Part of the Exhibition

As part of this crowdfunding campaign, we are offering a unique opportunity to sponsor one of the spectacular objects that will be on loan from the British Museum. These include a limestone lintel of Ramses II and a section of the Book of the Dead of Nestanebetisheru. All objects available to sponsor can be found below. We are also offering special rewards for those who can help us. Apart from an annual ticket to the Museum, a goodie bag with some merchandise provided by the British Museum and an invitation to an exclusive private view, your name will also be mentioned on the acknowledgments panel in the exhibition space and on our website. We also welcome local businesses to sponsor an object and as a thank you we will promote your generosity on our social media. If you can’t afford to sponsor an object, you can still give us a small donation to help us reach our £2,500 target. Every pound counts!

The accompanying hardback title to the British Museum exhibition Hieroglyphs: unlocking ancient Egypt. This catalogue will be signed by the exhibition's curator Ilona Regulski from the British Museum and offered as part of several rewards. 

 Objects Available to Sponsor 

Limestone lintel of Ramses III © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

Wooden figure of a couple. © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

Wooden drawing board © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

The Greenfield Papyrus (Series) Book of the Dead of Nestanebetisheru; frame 28. © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

Sycamore fig wood stela © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

Limestone ostracon: with a sketch of a bull in red pigment © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

Limestone block statue of the official Sahathor © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

Limestone ancestor bust of Muteminet © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum

Fragment of the stela of Horiraa © 2023 The Trustees of the British Museum