British Museum successfully raises millions to save Henry VIII marriage artefact
The British Museum has successfully completed a four-month fundraising campaign by raising £3.5 million to acquire a rare gold necklace with significant links to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. The artifact, known as the Tudor Heart, was discovered by a metal detector in 2019 and is of vital importance due to the scarcity of items directly linked to the royal couple’s marriage.
The London institution announced it had achieved its ambitious target following a joint appeal launched last October. Contributions included public donations of £360,000 from more than 45,000 people, as well as significant donations from foundations and arts organisations. Significant support came from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, which provided £1.75 million, while the Julia Rausing Trust had already committed £500,000 before the public campaign began. Further support was received from the Art Fund, which donated £400,000, and The American Friends of the British Museum, which contributed £300,000.
Expressing his gratitude, Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported our campaign and the National Heritage Commemoration Fund who generously awarded £1.75 million. The success of the campaign shows the power of history to capture the imagination and why objects like the Tudor Heart should be in a museum. This beautiful survivor tells us about a piece of British history that few of us know, but which we can all now share. I can’t wait to tell you more soon. We have plans to tour the UK in the future.”
The 24-carat gold necklace is believed to have been commissioned for a tournament celebrating the engagement of their daughter, Princess Mary, to the French heir in October 1518. Historical research conducted by the museum, VIII. It shows that Henry frequently commissioned London jewelers to create elaborate costume jewelery for major celebrations and state events, to give the impression of wealth at court. The pendant’s intricate design combines a Tudor rose with Katherine’s personal symbol, the pomegranate, and features a banner reading “tousiors,” Old French for “always.”
The necklace, discovered at the Warwickshire site, was reported under the Treasure Act 1996, a legal framework that gives museums and galleries in the UK the opportunity to acquire and display historically significant objects. Simon Thurley, chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, commented: “The Tudor Heart is an extraordinary insight into the court culture of Henry VIII and I am delighted that Memorial Fund support will allow it to be put on public display where people can enjoy it and find out what it tells us about this fascinating period in our history.”
Jenny Waldman, director of the Art Fund, added: “This remarkable object, so rich in history and meaning, can now inspire wonder for future generations, thanks to the collective efforts of many people who believe in the importance of keeping our common heritage accessible to all.”
The Tudor Heart has been on display twice in the museum’s gallery since the fundraising effort was announced and will remain there. The British Museum plans to officially add the necklace to its permanent collection towards the end of this year.
