The Vikings are coming to Preston
Vikings may have arrived with force but they also knew how to turn the materials they had around them into stunning art. They made ordinary items to serve their everyday needs but decorated them with remarkable designs that reveal the true spirit of the Viking Age.
From 15 June Fearsome Craftsmen – a touring exhibition from the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre – visitors to the Harris will discover how over 1,000 years ago these invaders turned simple materials into complex objects. Explore how Vikings made their everyday necessities from antler, bone, horn, wood and leather and experience Viking-Age life with our replica house, complete with cooking equipment and loom.
Cllr Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for culture and leisure at Preston City Council said, “The whole family can get hands-on at the Fearsome Craftsmen exhibition with the replica forge to discover how Vikings created their objects. It’s fascinating to learn how the Vikings made so many everyday items out of the resources they found in their local environment.”
Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions at York Archaeological Trust, which owns and operates The JORVIK Group, added,
“Most people have an expectation that all Vikings were feisty warriors, but with this exhibition we are hoping to help change that narrative. There were so many skilled craftsmen in the Viking-Age and visitors can learn about the everyday life that these people lived, through our range of artefacts and replicas.”
There are multiple ways to get hands-on at Fearsome Craftsmen with our unique children’s area for little ones to experience Viking-inspired activities including a replica forge.
There is also a unique chance to see real Viking treasure. The Silverdale Hoard, found in Lancashire, will go on display in the exhibition. Made up of more than 200 pieces of silver this complete hoard was found in recent years by a metal detecting enthusiast. Visitors will be able to see 10 complete arm rings, two finger rings, six bossed brooch fragments, a fine wire braid and 141 fragments of chopped-up arm rings and ingots, known as hacksilver.
Fearsome Craftsmen opens on 15 June and runs until 26 August.
Admission to the exhibition is FREE
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Saturday 13 July. The Harris is joining Viking forces with the PRESTON THIS SUMMER team to bring you Vikings on the Flag Market as part of an exciting programme of free events, activities and performances every Saturday until 31 August.