2,500 years ago, the peoples that the ancient Greeks knew as the Celts expressed their shared beliefs through similar abstract art styles which were used across northern Europe, from the Atlanti c to the Black Sea. Objects decorated with sinuous organic forms and fantasti c animals were used for feasti ng, religious ceremonies, adornment and warfare.
These designs were rich with hidden meanings, many of which remain mysterious to us now. They were both stunning works of art and powerful ways to convey a shared identi ty. The development of this Celti c art style contrasted strongly with the increasing realism being used by the ancient Greeks around the same ti me. Circular bronze shield boss with a pair of stylised birds. Dredged from the River Thames near Wandsworth, London, 300–200 BC. Drawing by Craig Williams. Celti c art conti nued in Roman Britain, transforming and taking on new influences. In the exhibiti on you will see objects made using typically Roman forms and technologies, such as multi -coloured enamelling, but decorated in characteristi c