Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – A rare ancient Roman relic, dating back 2,000 years and stored for over a century at Bolton Museum, is now on display for the first time.
This head covering is one of only three known to exist. It has been conserved and made available to the public through the generosity of the Darwen firm Ritherdon & Co. Ltd. The other two are housed at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and a museum in Florence, Italy.
The hat was donated to the Chadwick Museum in 1911. Credit: Ligia Salazar, Bolton Museum
The artifact is believed to have been crafted for a Roman military member after Egypt’s conquest, following the death of Queen Cleopatra in 30 BC. While it resembles other Roman Empire coverings from around 200 CE, it appears to have been adapted for Egyptian conditions, such as intense sun and sandstorms.
Due to its organic woolen material and age, the hat had deteriorated significantly from pest damage and environmental factors; thus, its extreme rarity necessitates further research to uncover its complete history.
The piece was donated in 1911 by Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie—a prominent archaeologist of his time—to Bolton’s first museum, The Chadwick Museum, located in Queen’s Park.
Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “It’s an incredible moment for Bolton to display such a rare and well-preserved item from ancient Egypt.
“The generosity of local businesses like Ritherdon & Co. Ltd. demonstrates how culture and community go hand-in-hand.
“This remarkable object not only tells a global story, but it also reminds us of the power our museums have to inspire future generations, right here in Bolton.”
The hat before the conversation. Credit: Bolton Museum
The conservation of the hat was undertaken by expert textile conservator Jacqui Hyman, who has worked on projects around the world, from museums to royal collections, for almost five decades.
“I had the unique privilege to handle and investigate the construction and conservation of this very rare felt hat.
Planning the appropriate and sensitive treatment was paramount due to its fragility.
Damage by moths had resulted in areas of missing felt, but by supporting and stabilising these areas with similar hand-dyed fabric, the original shape of the hat was recreated.
Suddenly, a flat, fragile, boxed item had come to life.
This hat was made to be worn, but if only it could talk and tell us who made it and who wore it”, Hyman said.
Ben Ritherdon, Director of Ritherdon & Co. Ltd, said: “It was so exciting to learn that we had such a rare and fascinating object right here on our doorstep, in Bolton Museum, and it was a privilege for us to be able to contribute to its conservation.
It is thought that the hat was specially adapted to protect Roman soldiers from the sun. Conservator Jacqui Hyman smiles with the newly conserved hat. Credit: Ian Trumble
“With so many worthy causes for small businesses to support, it’s important not to forget that regional educational and cultural organisations, like our local museums, also rely on businesses in their community.”
Prof Joann Fletcher, internationally renowned Egyptologist, said: “It was such an honour to present this very special award to Ritherdon, whose generous donation has been vital in preserving a rare object.
See also: More Archaeology News
Visitors now have the opportunity to view the Roman sun hat, currently on display at the entrance of Bolton Museum’s Egyptian galleries. This notable artifact will be featured in this location until September 2025. Following that period, it will be relocated to a permanent exhibition space within the museum.
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer