News from the Petrie Museum, London, UK

The 'Excavating Egypt' exhibition is back from the US. Our most iconic items are home again at the Petrie and what a joy it is to see them. The little Nubian servant girl, the Bes spoon, the bead-net dress.... and many others. If you've forgotten what they looked like, come and see for yourselves. We also received fresh copies of the wonderful exhibition catalogue and they are for sale in the shop.

Many of the objects loaned for the exhibition were conserved by Renee Stein at the Michael C Carlos Museum at Emory University, Atlanta - for example the wonderful little pair statue of an unknown couple now have clean noses, and 'blinky' has regained an eye. We were shown the results during Peter Lacovara's talk at the AGM. Peter curated the exhibition for the American tour and he reported record attendance at all venues.

Full details of the AGM will be reported in the next Magazine, but
briefly:

- We reported the departure of Carolyn Perry as Museum Manager. However, Carolyn will maintain her links with the museum as she joins the Friends' committee.

- During Carolyn's period in office the museum has been repainted, air-conditioning installed, we have gained a new permanent private entrance with video-phone entry and, most importantly, our own high-tech teaching room in what was the study area outside the museum. All of these are major improvements instigated by Carolyn's tenacity and negotiating skills! The improvements are even more welcome as:

- UCL has been unable to raise the necessary funds to continue with the Institute for Cultural Heritage as originally proposed and the site will now go to an income generating department. A feasibility study is underway to see if the Petrie can still be incorporated into the new building but in a smaller space - the decision should be made by the end of the summer.

- The Friends have received two very generous legacies of ten thousand pounds each from Felicity Kerr and Frank Birch. Both legacies will be used for suitable commemorative projects.

- As always, Friends' supported conservation continues in the museum - including an exciting internship which should result in many of our organic objects being conserved. Full details in the Mag.

We enjoyed a great Summer Party on a wonderful sunny summer evening. The room looked empty as everyone tried to stay on the balcony!