INTERNATIONALLY important Roman head sculptures unearthed at Carlisle cricket club dig are to go on display at Tullie in Carlisle.
Digging Deeper: Uncovering Roman Carlisle, a new exhibition showcasing the recent internationally significant finds from Carlisle’s Roman Bathhouse - including the two huge Roman heads – is opening at Tullie in Carlisle this autumn.
Going on display will be 'once in a lifetime' Roman finds, which include the two large, sculpted heads, a vast collection of intaglios (delicately carved gems), a stone dolphin carving, hypocaust tiles and vaulting tubes, unearthed in May 2023.
The archaeological dig, which captured international media attention, was part of the ongoing Uncovering Roman Carlisle project, a community excavation of a Roman Bathhouse, believed to be the largest building on Hadrian’s Wall, on the site of Carlisle Cricket Club.
This new exhibition will be the first time these items will be on display to the public since their discovery, after lying hidden in the ground for over 1,800 year.
The exhibition will run from Saturday, September 23 to Saturday, November 11, opening Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm.
Admission is free for kids and under 18s, current Members and annual ticket holders. You can book adult admission tickets to the museum now by visiting tullie.org.uk, or exhibition only tickets will be available to book (online, in person and over the phone) from September 1.
Digging Deeper: Uncovering Roman Carlisle has been made possible with the generous support of Cumberland Council, Wardell Armstrong LLP, Carlisle Cricket Club and The Berry Family Trust.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive portfolio holder for vibrant and healthy places, said: “I am delighted that the artefacts found in Carlisle will be showcased in the city’s museum.
"This is a great opportunity to see some of the archaeological finds and also discover more about our area’s rich Roman heritage. I am sure it will be a must-see exhibition and would encourage everyone to make a visit.
"This will be the first time the two monumental Roman heads, found this summer, will be put on show. So, do not miss the chance to see them and some of the other fascinating finds.”
Sarah McGlynn, exhibitions manager at Tullie, said: "These recent finds from the Cricket Club represent a hugely important time in Carlisle's history and have inspired the whole community.
"We are delighted to be bringing them to Tullie for everyone to see.”
Images taken by Stuart Walker Photography
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