The Corinium Museum was transformed into an “ethereal underworld” as it marked the close of Project Orpheus, a year-long programme celebrating the 200th anniversary of the discovery of a Roman mosaic at Barton Farm in Cirencester.
Over the past year, the Barn Theatre, New Brewery Arts and the Corinium Museum have collaborated to bring the story of Orpheus to life through art, heritage, performance, song, and much more.
The extensive programme, made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, also enabled the return of three additional fragments of an Orpheus mosaic discovered in Withington. The pieces were loaned to the Corinium Museum from the British Museum and Bristol Museums.
On Sunday 8 February, organisations and individuals involved in the project gathered at the museum for a reception to celebrate its success. Guests were invited to view both the Barton Farm Orpheus Mosaic and the newly installed Withington Orpheus Mosaic fragments. Both were illuminated in a light display designed to evoke Orpheus’s descent into the underworld.
Stuart Price, Project Manager said:
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring Project Orpheus to life, and I have genuinely enjoyed working with each and every one of you.
“Looking ahead, I hope this unique community continues to embrace the historical foundations of this town, remains proud of its heritage in everyday life, and inspires future generations to bring positive change—so that together we can protect what makes Cirencester special and help shape a brighter future for all.
“Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cirencester Town Council, the Summerfield Charitable Trust, and the Gloucestershire Community Foundation for making this project possible.”
Emma Stuart, Director of Corinium Museum said:
“The museum took on an ethereal quality as we welcomed project partners, participants and attendees to close the project in a wonderful afternoon of celebration. It would be interesting to know what the classical writers, poets and artisans would think if they saw such festivities taking place 2000 years after Orpheus had become a legend in their literary and artistic works.
“Seeing so many people at the celebration event reinforced the importance of our local heritage and the positive things that happen when community groups come together.”
Other highlights of the programme included a family-friendly LEGO trail bringing to life the story of the Orpheus myth, school workshops, a craft exhibition at New Brewery Arts, a community-led nature trail, a puppet parade at the Phoenix Festival, and the performance of the specially commissioned Song for Orpheus written by Sir Howard Goodall and Theo Dorgan.