Legion: Life in the Roman Army. British Museum, London. May 31st 2024

https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/legion-life-roman-army

This was wonderfully done and illuminating. It was the minor artefacts that were often most powerful – hair, shoes, sandals etc. I suspect that it probably underplayed brutality of life and existence though – this was only glancingly referenced. Is this because of modern sensibilities or would any emphasis on it have been sensationalising the story?

The organisational ability of the Romans and how they ran their astonishing Empire remains remarkable as ever. The practicalities that were demonstrated here (layout of camps/troop payments etc. etc.) were fascinating

There was good spacious layout (timed entries are the only way to go – the queue to go in was insane) and there was excellent labelling and lighting. The child-friendly sections were effective and not overdone.

Thank you Rosemary Sutcliff- but what a pity copies of Eagle of the Ninth not in the shop! Again check. My Fbk page (@Simon A Bird) for a reel that gives many of the visual highlights.

Queer Britain: London July 4th 2024

Splendour & Misery: New Objectivity in Germany. Leopold Museum, Vienna. May 29th 2024