The British Museum Membercast

This month Iszi speaks to Venetia Porter, curator of Reflections: contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa, about the fascinating stories found within this new display of works on paper. The British Museum Membercast is a monthly podcast made available to ‘all studious and curious persons’. Comedian, podcaster and super-fan Iszi Lawrence (The Z List Dead List) presents snippets from exclusive Members’ lectures at the Museum, artfully woven together with interviews and her own musings. Please share your comments and feedback about the podcast! You can talk to us on Twitter @britishmuseum using the hashtag #membercast or email friends@britishmuseum.org

Historian Rebecca Rideal tells Iszi about a watershed year in England: 1666. What can we learn from a year that saw the Great Fire of London, the Plague and the Anglo-Dutch Wars? The British Museum Membercast is a monthly podcast made available to ‘all studious and curious persons’. Comedian, podcaster and super-fan Iszi Lawrence (The Z List Dead List) presents snippets from exclusive Members’ lectures at the Museum, artfully woven together with interviews and her own musings. Please share your comments and feedback about the podcast! You can talk to us on Twitter @britishmuseum using the hashtag #membercast or email friends@britishmuseum.org

In this engaging discussion, Sue Brunning, Curator of early medieval Europe collections at the British Museum, dives into the fascinating excavation of Sutton Hoo. She reveals how this landmark discovery revolutionized our understanding of early Britain's past. Explore the complexities of the site's artifacts, from the iconic helmet to the rich interplay of early Christianity and pagan traditions. Sue also sheds light on overlooked artifacts, hinting at the continuing archaeological efforts that promise to unveil even more about this significant historical site.

Dr. Chris Naunton, an Egyptologist and author of 'Egyptologists' Notebooks,' shares valuable insights into the evolution of Egyptology. He reveals hidden stories in Egyptologists' notebooks, emphasizing their significance in understanding the discipline's history. The conversation explores early pioneers, the impact of Napoleon's expedition, and the troubling legacy of colonialism in archaeological practices. Naunton examines the dualities of discoveries and exploitation, urging listeners to reflect on the complexities of studying ancient Egypt and its cultural narratives.

Iszi chats to Peter Loovers, Project Curator of the Citi exhibition Arctic: culture and climate about what life is really like in the Arctic. The British Museum Membercast is a monthly podcast made available to ‘all studious and curious persons’. Comedian, podcaster and super-fan Iszi Lawrence (The Z List Dead List) presents snippets from exclusive Members’ lectures at the Museum, artfully woven together with interviews and her own musings. Please share your comments and feedback about the podcast! You can talk to us on Twitter @britishmuseum using the hashtag #membercast or email friends@britishmuseum.org

Iszi chats to archaeologist, author and British Museum Trustee Chris Gosden about the history of magic through the ages. The British Museum Membercast is a monthly podcast made available to ‘all studious and curious persons’. Comedian, podcaster and super-fan Iszi Lawrence (The Z List Dead List) presents snippets from exclusive Members’ lectures at the Museum, artfully woven together with interviews and her own musings. Please share your comments and feedback about the podcast! You can talk to us on Twitter @britishmuseum using the hashtag #membercast or email friends@britishmuseum.org

Iszi chats to curator Imma Ramos about the history and philosophy of Tantra, and its influence on the world today. Imma is the curator of the special exhibition Tantra: enlightenment to revolution. The British Museum Membercast is a monthly podcast made available to ‘all studious and curious persons’. Comedian, podcaster and super-fan Iszi Lawrence (The Z List Dead List) presents snippets from exclusive Members’ lectures at the Museum, artfully woven together with interviews and her own musings. Please share your comments and feedback about the podcast! You can talk to us on Twitter @britishmuseum using the hashtag #membercast or email friends@britishmuseum.org

In this special episode, Iszi welcomes Members back to the Museum as it re-opens its doors to the public. Iszi takes us on the Members highlight tour of the permanent collection, and rediscovers some fascinating objects from past civilisations. The British Museum Membercast is a monthly podcast made available to ‘all studious and curious persons’. Comedian, podcaster and super-fan Iszi Lawrence (The Z List Dead List) presents snippets from exclusive Members’ lectures at the Museum, artfully woven together with interviews and her own musings. Please share your comments and feedback about the podcast! You can talk to us on Twitter @britishmuseum using the hashtag #membercast or email friends@britishmuseum.org

Iszi talks to Natalie Haynes, author of A Thousand Ships, about writing and researching the Bronze Age. The British Museum Membercast is a monthly podcast made available to ‘all studious and curious persons’. Comedian, podcaster and super-fan Iszi Lawrence (The Z List Dead List) presents snippets from exclusive Members’ lectures at the Museum, artfully woven together with interviews and her own musings. Please share your comments and feedback about the podcast! You can talk to us on Twitter @britishmuseum using the hashtag #membercast or email friends@britishmuseum.org

In this episode, historian Stephen P. Kershaw passionately unpacks the legacy of Boudicca, the formidable Queen of the Iceni. He discusses the challenges of accurately portraying her against Roman narratives and the socio-economic grievances that fueled her rebellion. The conversation dives into the complex gender dynamics of ancient Rome and explores Iron Age aesthetics, including grooming habits and stunning metalwork. Kershaw also humorously dissects Roman perceptions of Celtic identities, enriching our understanding of history's ambiguities.