ArtsNational lecture with Amanda Herries

Next date: Saturday, 31 October 2026 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

LECTURE TITLE: Diverse, Riche and Costlye Jewels

 ‘Diverse riche and costlye Jewells’ is a perfect description of the unique collection of jewels known as the ‘Cheapside Hoard’. Unearthed, by chance, in 1912 in one of the most historic parts of London, it seems it was lost, or buried, between 1640 and 1666. More than 400 pieces make up this remarkable Hoard, including a unique walnut-sized emerald containing a
watch movement, a slithery emerald studded salamander to earrings shimmering with suspended amethysts. These are rare, but not royal, jewels. Pieces demonstrate remarkable skills and stones mined in every part of the world. What does the collection represent? Why was it brought together? What are its secrets?

Amanda Herries  read Archaeology & Anthropology at Cambridge. 1978-1988 Curator at Museum of London specialising in the decorative arts 1714 to present day, exhibitions, lectures, booklets, broadcasts. 1988-1995 moved with family to Japan, lecturing and writing on Oriental / Western cross-cultural and artistic influences. 1995 returned to UK, fundraising for arts companies, writing, lecturing and guiding tours to Japan and curating exhibitions. Most recent publications on Japanese plant and garden influences in the West and the life of Henry Raeburn, Scotland’s foremost portrait painter.

When

Location

The Lighthouse Baptist Church is part of the Lighthouse Christian School, next to Juds Park on Norman Road.

Lighthouse Baptist Church, 480 Norman Road,, Norman Gardens, 4701, View Map