Prittlewell Flagon on display at British Museum’s ‘Silk Roads’ exhibition

October 15, 2024

Southend-on-Sea’s remarkable Prittlewell Flagon is now on display as part of the British Museum’s exciting new exhibition, Silk Roads.

This exhibition, running until 23 February 2025, explores the history of the Silk Roads from AD 500 to 1000, featuring objects from 29 national and international partners.

The Prittlewell Flagon, discovered in 2003 as part of the internationally significant Prittlewell Princely Burial, is an extraordinary copper-alloy artefact. Likely crafted in Syria in the late sixth or early seventh century, it is adorned with three medallions believed to depict the soldier-saint Sergius. Its inclusion in this exhibition highlights South Essex’s role in the global exchange of ideas, goods, and culture, spanning from Scandinavia to China during the early medieval period.

Following its time at the British Museum, the flagon will return to Southend Central Museum, where it will join other finds from the Prittlewell Burial, which are on permanent display.

Councillor Matt Dent, cabinet member for culture, tourism, and business, said: “We are incredibly excited to showcase our Prittlewell Flagon in the British Museum's Silk Roads exhibition. This is a fantastic opportunity to present Southend’s rich collections to a national and international audience, and to show the global significance of our city’s history.”

The Silk Roads exhibition runs until 23 February 2025. For more information, visit British Museum: Silk Roads

Southend Central Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Entry is free. For more information, visit the Southend Museums website.