Egyptian Extravaganza opens at Touchstones Rochdale!

Date published: 08/06/2005

This summer brings a slice of  Egypt to Touchstones Rochdale, the Borough's award winning arts and heritage centre. A series of exhibitions will bring together Ancient Egyptian exhibits, from both local and national collections, as well as an installation from contemporary Egyptian artist Moataz Nasr.

The stunning 'Beasts of the Nile'  exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the relationship between animals and the Ancient Egyptians through a wonderful range of artefacts including animal mummies, bronzes, textiles, pottery and wooden sculptures. 'Egypt- The Rochdale Collection'   is a dazzling compilation of ceramics, stone, wood, gesso, animal and plant remains, precious metals and textiles excavated by the famous Egyptologist, Sir Flinders Petrie and gifted to the local collector Charles Heape.  Both exhibitions contain loads of hands on activities to keep budding archaeologists, of all ages, busy for hours this summer.

In contrast the video installation 'The Echo' by Moataz Nasr, who lives and works and  Cairo, examines Egypt's more recent past. It compares an extract from a film made in Egypt in 1968 to modern day life in the country. It draws attention to the stagnant political situation of the last 70 years; in the artist's words, 'Nothing has changed'.

The Touchstones Rochdale Egypt season will be launched at a special ceremony on  Friday 17th June. The guest of honour will be Dr. Nicholas Reeves, curator, archaeologist, author and broadcaster on Egyptian antiquities. Dr Reeves, who now lives in Kent,  was born in Rochdale. His interest in all things Ancient Egyptian was kindled when, as a young teenager, he volunteered to help document Rochdale's fascinating Egyptian collection.  'I am delighted to be returning to Rochdale' said Dr Reeves 'and looking forward to meeting some old friends - both of the human variety and the fascinating artefacts I remember in the Rochdale collection!'. Dr Reeves will be joined at the launch by the artist Moataz Nasr who will be accompanying his exhibition thanks to the Arts Council Visiting Artists programme.

Principal Officer Andy Pearce added 'The Egyptian collections held in Rochdale are amazing, and when viewed with the objects from Warrington, Bolton and the British Museum in the Beasts of the Nile exhibition, will give local people a chance to explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt on their doorstep.  Add to that the a glimpse of modern Egypt through the eyes of an award winning contemporary artist and anyone coming to Touchstones Rochdale
during our Egypt season is sure of a fascinating day out.'

The Touchstones Rochdale Egypt season opens to the public Saturday 18th June and continues until September.

Touchstones Rochdale is located on the Esplanade in Rochdale town centre. The award winning arts and heritage centre is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 10am-5.30pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am-4.30pm. The centre offers a museum, four art galleries, a heritage gallery, Tourist Information Centre, Local Studies Library, Café and shop with regular events and workshops. For further information ring 01706 864986.