Object of the Month: June 2024

Leicester Museums & Galleries’ 175th birthday

Crucifix and Alabaster Panel

Gifts of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, 1849

Chosen by: Chosen by Heather Southorn, Collections Manager

Left: Crucifix, French School, 13th century, bronze; Right: Alabaster panel, Nottingham, medieval, alabaster and wood

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery opened 175 years ago in 1849, with 10,000 objects donated by the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society. The collection of curiosities, artworks, antiquities, fossils, and animal, bird and insect specimens offered local people a window into the wider world.

These two objects were part of this first collection, donated in 1849.

Crucifix: medieval Limoges enamel crucifix. This type of enamel work was widely traded and exported during the Middle Ages.

Alabaster panel: A medieval small shrine, containing an alabaster carving representing the head of John the Baptist on a charger (plate), with below, Christ rising from the tomb.

Both Objects of the Month can be seen in person throughout June at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.