We're still collecting donations
On the 2nd December 2022 we'd raised £1,565 with 6 supporters in 42 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Portsmouth Museum: Bring the Ring home
by Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery in Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Total raised £1,565
raised so far6
supportersTo raise money to buy this amazing ring for Portsmouth. It was found in the city, the funds will keep it here for everyone to see and enjoy.
by Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery in Portsmouth, United Kingdom
New stretch target
Everything in the museum's collection needs special storage conditions and sometimes they need conservation before they can be displayed or shared in other ways. We are constantly working to improve the condition of the collection and bring more of its wonders to a wider audience.
Any additional money we raise will be used to make that happen. At the top of the list are items in the natural history collection that we would like to include in a new exhibition next year but there are many other things that need attention.
Who are we?
Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery is the home of the city of Portsmouth's heritage. Everything we collect contributes to telling the story of Portsmouth and its people.
We are dedicated to making sure objects that contribute to that story are kept in the city. The curatorial team care for and add to the collections everything from bed bugs to buses and we are always looking to see what else should come into the collection. Our awesome front of house team care for our visitors, buildings and monitor collections on display.
The Ring!
Like many treasure trove items this ring was found by a metal detectorist in Portsmouth (we can't say exactly where for obvious reasons!). Finds like this are very rare in the city. Only five other things identified as treasure trove have been found, most are silver with two other gold items. That they are this rare makes it all the more important that we save it for the city.
The ring has been dated between 1500 and 1700. The decoration, with delicate filigree and raised bosses is very 16th century. We can imagine perhaps a Tudor gentleman wearing this, the lovely warm colour standing out against his dark clothes.
Rings like this are quite often 'posie' rings with a short inscription on the inside. This one is unusual, it has no inscription and is very wide and might even be made of two bands put together making it hollow. It really is one of a kind.
All donations made here will go towards the purchase of the ring. We are also fundraising at Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery through our donations box, our very generous visitors are helping us to bring the ring home!
Rewards
This project offered rewards
£25 or more
Ring preview
Donate £25 or more and join us for a very special evening event with a special viewing of the ring and the opportunity to find out more about other treasures in the collection.