Oxford museum collaborating with Tooley’s Boatyard

On display at the historic Banbury boatyard since early May, the display highlights a cross-cultural project between bronze caster Phil Omodamwen from Benin City, Nigeria, and resident blacksmith Emilia Orving.

It focuses on shared techniques in metalworking and the future of heritage crafts, featuring an interactive video display and a showing of the two artists at work.

In the footage, Mr Omodamwen and Ms Orving collaborate in Tooley’s historic forge to create what are likely the first ever ‘Benin Bronzes’ to be produced in the UK.

The display can be viewed during Tooley’s regular opening hours, Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 1pm, and on open days (Saturdays, 10am to 4pm), when the entire site is accessible to the public.

Visitors on those days can also see the working forge, which has been in continuous use since 1776.

Tooley’s also offers blacksmithing courses in the same forge, giving guests a chance to experience heritage crafts first-hand.

“This collaboration between the Museum and the Boatyard is one of many that the Museum is looking to foster, building closer relationships with local artisans and communities right here in Oxfordshire.”

The project is part of the Pitt Rivers Museum’s AHRC-funded Making the Museum programme, which runs from 2024 to 2027.

The museum has extended thanks to Mr Omodamwen, Ms Orving, Creative Jay design, Tim Hand Productions, and staff from both the museum and the boatyard for helping bring the project to life.