Published: Friday, 8th Aug 2025

The latest instalment of Bolton’s Egypt Summer Study Day has sold out in just two weeks.

The event will be held on Saturday 13 September 2025, from 10.30am to 7pm, and due to high demand, the museum will now run the day a second time on Saturday 20 September.

Tickets can be booked in-person via the museum shop or online through Eventbrite.

Titled Ancient Egypt’s Art and Artists,” the Study Day explores ancient Egyptian artwork, the individuals who created it, and those who copied it and will feature a hands-on, interactive programme, including a morning lecture, three practical workshops, an optional exhibition tour, and a film screening.

Sessions will delve into how and why ancient scenes were produced, decoding the images, materials, and inscriptions used - both in antiquity and by archaeological artists.

The unique blend of workshops offers attendees the opportunity to get up close and gain first-hand insight into ancient craftsmanship.

The day will conclude with after-hours refreshments, wine, nibbles, and casual conversation with experts in Bolton’s renowned Egyptology galleries.

For those not attending the full day, the morning lecture is open as a standalone experience: “Creating and Copying: From Kha to Carter” delivered by internationally acclaimed Egyptologist and star of the BBC’s Immortal Egypt documentary series Prof Joann Fletcher, who will spotlight spectacular ancient wall scenes and the practices behind their creation.

The Study Day complements Bolton Museum’s temporary exhibition “In the Temple of the Female Pharaoh: Howard Carter and Hatshepsut,” running until the end of 2025.

The exhibit features a watercolour painting by Egyptologist Howard Carter, the discoverer of Tutankhamun.

Howard Carter painted it at the age of 19 in March 1894 when he worked as a ‘tracer’ - an artist that recorded wall scenes for archaeologists - nearly 30 years before he found the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The watercolour painting consists of a scene from the Chapel of Thutmose I, in the temple of female pharaoh Hatshepsut and is on loan from the Egypt Exploration Society in London.

This is the first time the painting has been on display in the North of England.

Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“Bolton's Egyptology collection continues to amaze and inspire, and it’s great to see how popular the Egypt Study Days have been, with many selling out so quickly – which just goes to show, there’s a real appetite for hands-on learning.

“These immersive study days give residents and visitors the chance to experience world-class ancient history right here in our town, and we’re proud to see Bolton Museum leading the way with such innovative, educational events.”

Prof Joann Fletcher, internationally renowned Egyptologist, said:

"It's amazing to be part of these wonderful events, sharing our passion for all-things Egypt with so many people showing enthusiasm.

“Getting hands-on with ancient artefacts from Bolton's world-class collection is a gift, and it’s why so many are travelling down to not miss out.

“We always look forward to working with Bolton Museum on these special event days, getting to meet the community and provide valuable learning experiences.”

Bolton’s Egypt Summer Study Days:

“Ancient Egypt’s Art and Artists”
Saturday 13 September (sold out) and Saturday 20 September
10.30am – 7pm
£50 for full day, £55 including lunch
£6 for adults, £3 for children or for lecture only

Booking is essential through the Bolton Museum shop or Eventbrite: Bolton's Egypt Summer Study Day September

About The Egypt Exploration Society

The Egypt Exploration Society is a UK charity supporting and promoting Egyptian cultural heritage since its founding in 1882. Today, it provides engaging, educational events online to audiences around the world and shares the results of the latest Egyptological research through its international membership programme.

www.ees.ac.uk

About Bolton Library and Museum Services

A cultural hotspot of Bolton, the Bolton Central Library and Museum hosts eclectic events, galleries, and collections, one of which is its Egyptology collection – the largest of its kind in a local authority museum in the UK. You will also find Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium sits inside this architecturally impressive, Grade II listed building. With venues across the whole town, including the historic Smithills Hall, the Bolton Library and Museum teams organise special events, exhibitions, workshops, and social groups across the town’s libraries and halls; helping to engage, educate and support communities.

To find out more about Bolton’s libraries and museums and what’s on, visit www.boltonlams.co.uk

For more information about Bolton’s Egyptology collection, visit www.boltonlams.co.uk/homepage/78/egyptology