Roman helmet

I went to Carlisle today for another glimpse of the Crosby Garrett helmet before it is taken to the British Museum and then maybe out of public view forever. It is an exceptionally rare bronze ceremonial parade helmet, named after the Cumbria hamlet where it was found by a metal detector on farmland, broken into 68 pieces. Restored and sold for £2.3 million to a private bidder at auction, it was then exhibited for three months at Tullie House Museum in Carlisle.

When you walk around the corner in Tullie House and see this helmet, displayed on its own and beautifully lit, it is difficult not to gasp. It has a haunting quality which I find hard to explain.

If you can, go and see it soon. The last day it can be viewed in Carlisle is January 26th.