The new Faith Museum is opening as part of the Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland, County Durham on 7 October.
Located in the 14th century-wing of Auckland Castle and a 21st-century building designed by Níall McLaughlin Architects, the new museum will explore faith in Britain over 6,000 years.
It will house more than 250 objects from 50 institutions and private collections across England, Scotland and Wales. Highlights include:
- The Gainford stone, dating to 4,000-2,500BC and on loan from the Bowes Museum, suggests signs of Neolithic faith in the Durham Dales.
- The Binchester ring, a silver ring with carved carnelian stone excavated in 2014 at the Vinovium Roman fort, provides rare early evidence of Christianity in Britain.
- The 13th-century Bodleian bowl, on loan from the Ashmolean in Oxford, is an early example of evidence of Jewish communities in Britain.
- A rare copy of William Tyndale’s English translation of the New Testament from 1536.
- A set of 20th-century prayer beads owned by Lord Headley, believed to be the first Briton to have completed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, having converted to Islam.
The museum is part of the Auckland Project, a group of heritage attractions, galleries and gardens, including Auckland Castle, in the historic town of Bishop Auckland.
Auckland Castle museum
“The Faith Museum turned out to be the hardest piece of our jigsaw. We have tried to tell stories which put into context 6,000 years of human endeavour and the restlessness of the human spirit,” said Jonathan Ruffer, founder of the Auckland Project.
“The objects and contemporary artworks on display tell the story of how people in Britain have expressed their faith throughout history, often in a very personal way,” said Clare Baron, head of exhibitions at the Auckland Project.
“I’d like to thank all the lenders, artists, advisors and funders who have helped to create a space for us all to reflect on and discuss what faith means to us.”
