A 2,000-year-old Egyptian head covering that has been in storage for over 100 years at Bolton Museum has been conserved and is now on public display for the first time, thanks to the generosity of Darwen firm Ritherdon & Co. Ltd.
The hat is one of only three known to exist: the others are held at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and a museum in Florence, Italy.
Following its conservation, Bolton’s hat is now considered the best-preserved example in the world.
Believed to have been made for a member of the Roman military after the conquest of Egypt following the death of Queen Cleopatra in 30 BC, the hat resembles other coverings from the Roman Empire circa 200 CE, though it appears to have been adapted for Egyptian conditions, such as intense sun and sandstorms.
Due to the organic woollen material and its age, the hat had deteriorated significantly, having suffered damage from pests and environmental factors; therefore, its extreme rarity means further research is now needed to unlock its full history.
The piece was donated to Bolton’s first museum, The Chadwick Museum – located in Queen’s Park – in 1911 by Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie, a world-leading archaeologist in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
The conservation of the hat was done by expert textile conservator Jacqui Hyman, who has worked on projects around the world – from museums to royalty, for almost five decades.
Funding for the conservation was gifted by Ritherdon & Co. Ltd., a Darwen-based electrical enclosure manufacturer that has been part of the local landscape for over a century.
Led by MD Ben Ritherdon, the company has expanded from traditional metalwork into modern EV infrastructure.
In recognition of their contribution, the Bolton Archaeology and Egyptology Society presented Ritherdon & Co. Ltd. with the Lotus Chalice Award, created in 2024 to honour outstanding contributions to Bolton’s Egyptology collections.
The award is presented annually to exceptional individuals, businesses, or organisations.
Ben Ritherdon, Director of Ritherdon & Co. Ltd, said:
“It was so exciting to learn that we had such a rare and fascinating object right here on our doorstep, in Bolton Museum, and it was a privilege for us to be able to contribute to its conservation.
“With so many worthy causes for small businesses to support, it’s important not to forget that regional educational and cultural organisations, like our local museums, also rely on businesses in their community.”
Prof Joann Fletcher, internationally renowned Egyptologist, said:
“It was such an honour to present this very special award to Ritherdon, whose generous donation has been vital in preserving a rare object.
“Their generosity really reflects the spirit of the award, recognising those making an outstanding contribution to Bolton’s world-class Egyptian collection.”
