Purpose

This decision relates to the approval of the loan of Anglo-Saxon real and replica objects in the Ipswich Borough Council museum collections to Caen Castle Museum in Normandy, France.

The real and replica objects from the Ipswich collections are:

• IPSMG:R.1939.148 Rivets (6 no.) from the Sutton Hoo Mound 2 ship burial.

• IPSMG:HSM.2017.15 Model of Sutton Hoo Mound 1 showing the ship burial made in

1940 by H. E. P. Spencer of Ipswich Museum.

• Replica in resin of the iron axe-hammer from Mound 1.

This loan is part of a major international exhibition project which sees the French Government lending the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum who in turn are lending objects from Sutton Hoo for exhibition at Caen Castle Museum. As a project partner, Ipswich Museum are being recognised as holding a very significant Anglo-Saxon collection which is amongst the very best in the UK and this international exposure will undoubtedly raise the profile of the museum and indeed the town of Ipswich. Longer term our participation positions Ipswich Museum as a major player in Anglo-Saxon studies and will provide opportunities to participate in further

collaborative projects with the British Museum and other major museums at home and abroad.

Decision

To approve the loan of Anglo-Saxon real and replica objects to Caen Castle Museum.

Reason:

This loan is part of a major international exhibition project which sees the French Government lending the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum who in turn are lending objects from Sutton

Hoo for exhibition at Caen Castle Museum. As a project partner, Ipswich Museum are being recognised as holding a very significant Anglo-Saxon collection which is amongst the very best in the UK and this international exposure will undoubtedly raise the profile of the museum and indeed the town of Ipswich. Longer term our participation positions Ipswich Museum as a major player in Anglo-Saxon studies and will provide opportunities to participate in further collaborative projects with the British Museum and other major museums at home and abroad.