Behind the scenes tours of the Staffordshire Hoard – £20 and selling fast.

Staffordshire Hoard Gold dagger hilt - image from Portable Antiquities on flickr.

We’ve taken this from the Birmingham News Room site:

A new tour offering a behind the scenes look at the Staffordshire Hoard conservation work at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is proving to be a big hit.

Scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month, the tour gives visitors the chance to talk to the experts who have been working on the world famous Anglo-Saxon treasure.

The first tour, scheduled for Wednesday March 6, has already sold out and bookings are being taken for tours through to the end of the year.

Tours are priced £20 per person with the money raised going towards ongoing conservation work aimed at telling the story of the most valuable treasure ever found in the UK.

Head of Museum Operations Simon Cane, said: “From day one worldwide interest in the Hoard has been phenomenal, so it’s hardly surprising these tours are proving to be such a hit. People have clearly taken this discovery to their hearts.

“The conservation work is a unique project and the tour offers a unique insight into the techniques used as the experts look to learn more about this fantastic collection.”

The Staffordshire Hoard comprises over 3,500 gold and silver artefacts dating back to the seventh century.

They were found by a metal detector enthusiast on a farmer’s field, and are thought to be the high-status booty of an Anglo-Saxon battle, with exquisitely designed sword pommels, helmet fragments and several bejewelled crosses.

Bookings are now being taken for tours on May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2 and December 7.

Tours start at 12.30pm. Places will be limited so booking is essential. To book tickets please ring 0121 303 1966.