Collections

The Egypt Centre at Swansea University is a leading institution dedicated to the study and preservation of ancient Egyptian culture. We house a significant collection of artefacts, a comprehensive library, and valuable archives. This page provides detailed information about our collections, including how to access them for research, study, or simply to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt.

The Objects

The Egypt Centre houses the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in Wales, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of this ancient civilisation. In addition to the numerous Egyptian objects, our collection includes a selection of artefacts from other ancient cultures, providing valuable insights into the interconnectedness of ancient societies. Visitors can explore a variety of items, including coffins, stelae, statues, amulets, and pottery, each offering unique perspectives on the past.

For research requests, please contact us at egyptcentre@swansea.ac.uk.

A wooden stela (tombstone) from ancient Egypt, decorated with hieroglyphs and images. The stela depicts Anubis performing the mummification on the owner. He is flanked by other deities.

Temporary Exhibition

The Ogden Collection

Launched on 28th September 2024, this exhibition in the House of Life gallery showcases objects from the collection of James Roberts Ogden. The collection, currently on loan to the Egypt Centre from Harrogate Museums, includes shabtis, amulets, scarabs, stelae, jewellery, cosmetics, cuneiform texts, and a cartonnage mummy mask. The exhibition will remain on display until May 2025.

A display case showcasing artifacts from the Ogden Collection, including a painted mummy mask, figurines, jewelry, and pottery, from the temporary exhibition at the Egypt Centre.

Online Collection Catalogue

The Egypt Centre’s online collection catalogue, accessible through Abaset, offers a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for exploring our vast collection of artefacts. This digital resource provides detailed information on each object, including its description, provenance, and images. Visitors can search the catalogue by keyword, category, or time period to discover specific items of interest. Whether you’re a scholar, student, or simply curious about ancient Egypt, our online catalogue offers a convenient way to delve into the rich history and culture represented in our collection. You can access the online collection catalogue here.

A screenshot of the homepage of The Egypt Centre Online Collection website. The main image is a close-up of an ancient Egyptian artifact. Below the main image are four smaller images and text links to different sections of the website: "About the Egypt Centre," "Trails," "How to Use the Egypt Centre Online Collection," and "Contributors and Supporters."

The Harrogate Collection

In February 2023, the Egypt Centre received over 800 objects on loan from Harrogate Museums. This remarkable collection offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt. The Harrogate Collection includes a wide range of items, from intricate amulets and pottery to stunning statues and funerary objects. This invaluable loan provides the Egypt Centre with the opportunity to showcase these extraordinary treasures to our visitors and to incorporate them into our student teaching programmes. We are deeply grateful to Harrogate Museums for their generosity in sharing this exceptional collection with us. The objects have been fully catalogued and are now available to consult here.

A screenshot of the homepage of The Harrogate Egyptian Collection website. The main image is a close-up of an ancient Egyptian artifact. Below the main image are four smaller images and text links to different sections of the website: "About the Harrogate Egyptian Collection," "About the Project," "Collectors," and "Trails."

3D Models

The Egypt Centre’s Sketchfab channel offers a unique and immersive experience for exploring our collection. Through the power of 3D modelling, visitors can virtually interact with selected artefacts, examining them from every angle and even zooming in on intricate details. This interactive platform allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the objects’ form, function, and cultural significance. By providing access to these 3D models, the Egypt Centre aims to make our collection more accessible to a wider audience and inspire curiosity and learning.

A white limestone sculpture of a seated Egyptian figure with a rounded head and arms folded across their chest. Hieroglyphs are inscribed on the front of the figure's chest.

Library

The Egypt Centre boasts a substantial library, comprising approximately 4,000 volumes dedicated to Egyptology and museology. These books are dispersed throughout the museum’s various locations, ensuring accessibility to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and students from Swansea University. We are deeply indebted to the generous individuals who have donated a significant portion of our library’s collection, their contributions have been invaluable to our museum.

A photograph of a large wooden bookshelf filled with books.

Archives

Like any museum, the Egypt Centre houses a substantial archive relating to the collection. This includes documentation on each object, the collection, photos, and correspondence. The material is housed in our research and documentation room. We are currently in the process of digitising this archive to make it more accessible. Researchers are able to consult this material by contacting us at egyptcentre@swansea.ac.uk.

Several blue file folders stacked on top of each other, containing papers and documents related to the "Cippi of Horus" and the "Horus on the Crocodiles" research project.