The working life of Museum of London

To start things off we’re going all the way back to Week 1 and this fine example of a Tin-Glazed Ware Delft Tile. Repackaged by Wednesday volunteer Richard, it was originally found in 1975 from the huge excavation at the General Post Office site at Newgate Street (GPO75). Imported and highly popular throughout the 18^th Century, the tile captures an everyday scene depicting fishermen with the classic Netherlandian windmills in the background. This wall tile may have originally decorated a fireplace or kitchen area.

Your second choice was repacked and audited by Friday volunteer Chris during Week 2. Made of naturally coloured glass, this impressive Roman blown jug would have been imported into London from the continent. Also discovered during the General Post Office excavations in 1975 (GPO75), it dates between 60 – 170AD and would have been used as tableware. Sometimes these jugs have a Bacchic medallion at the base of the handle, suggesting they would contain wine.

Object number three is from 1986’s excavations at Sunlight Wharf (SUN86) and was audited by Friday volunteer Kate during Week 3.  This lovely late medieval artifact is a composite of materials. Two iron mounts are nailed through a wooden lid, which is covered in leather. The leather itself has been decorated with a central shield and chevron. This is a great example of how organics and metals survive so well in London’s archaeological waterfront.

The final choice is this super Saxon “Bird” Pin. Audited by Friday volunteer Claire during Week 8’s session, this is a rare example of a late Saxon (C11^th – C12^th) ivory ‘hipped’ pin’. It was found during excavations at Merton Priory. (MPY88) The pin could be interpreted as representing a bird with feathered wings, eye and the shaft as an elongated beak. The presence of this late pin (as well as waste from antler and ivory working) on the site indicates affluence and perhaps a settlement nearby, maybe of a monastic nature.

Tough choices but only one can win. It’s time for you to decide. And you can do so by clicking here: VOTE (Voting has now closed, but you can vote in round 4)

Voting closes tomorrow afternoon (Tues 10th Aug) at 12.30.

Join us again tomorrow where you can find out today’s result and vote for tomorrow’s best object. Click on the “RSS” icon towards the top right of the page to keep updated with all the competitions this week.

You can also find out more about any excavations mentioned by clicking on the highlighted sitecodes above and click on any picture for a larger photo.