keep Anglo-Saxon brooch in country

[Puffin]

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015 ... ntry#img-1

An elaborate Anglo-Saxon brooch that is more than 1,000 years old may be exported if a UK buyer is not found who will pay at least £8,000 for it.

The gilt bronze brooch, from the late 8th century, is one of just 12 such ornaments in existence, and it stands out from the rest for the skill and creativity employed in the creation of its unique complex leaf pattern, which could represent the Christian tree of life.

An illustration dating from the same period of the Virgin Mary in the Book of Kells shows her wearing a similar brooch, suggesting they were worn by high-status women.

[Old Git John]

Such a stunningly beautiful piece of ancient art, and a Government minister puts a temporary freeze
on it being exported, "To give a chance for a UK buyer to be found"

Why faf about, when they are more than prepared to waste money on much less worthy things, Shut
up and Pay up UK government. In the expanse of things you do, this is a packet of crisps.

[Euan]

Cheers for the post

[omegamike]

Don't start me off...... our bunch of idiots that run the country couldn't give a toss as far as these kind of things are concerned! it's a national disgrace.
Such an incredible piece of history should at the very least be bought by the government FOR THE PEOPLE. After all IT'S OUR MONEY.

[allan75]

well said mike.

[flipperbrownsnout]

I must be in a minority then....I wouldn't pay £8000 for that, yes its a nice piece of chip carved artwork but they cant buy every little piece going and that's way over priced

[archer]

Personal comment, but in a similar vein; I am concerned at the amount of our National Heritage that may be going out of the country following metal detecting rallies these days, with no sign of an export licence to legalise it or track what is going.

[bodvoc]

To be honest, although it is a nice piece, it doesn't look worth that kind of money. Something a little awry there!

[Old Git John]

To be honest, although it is a nice piece, it doesn't look worth that kind of money. Something a little awry there!

Perhaps those who placed the value on it should dip into their own pockets, to buy it,
and then donate it to the country.

I on the other hand cannot justify a price being put on a detector of 8k, and yet they do exist.

[omegamike]

Got to agree with above - £8000 is way way overvalued. Don't even think a collector would pay anything approaching that kind of price?