Tutankhamun Exhibition London 2019 - A Review

3 November 2019 Saatchi Gallery London

We entered as a smallish group at 13.30 with a short tv presentation about the discovery of the tomb and Howard Carter in a 180 degree screen.

The theme of the film was two great names come together and Tuts name will live forever - which is after all what every Pharaoh aimed for.

As I entered the dimly lit gallery there was atmospheric music playing softly and the items there were certainly showstoppers - such as the Lotus vase below.   

You are allowed to take photos without a flash

* The photo's in this post are my own

I was certainly blown away by the artistry and craftsmanship.

My favourite artefact was the Arrow box.  I loved the artwork which was very delicate and beautiful.  I loved seeing a young girl sketching the Tutankhamun bow in her sketchpad whilst her mother patiently waited.  Reminded me of my younger self....  There were scenes of hunted animals and Tutankhamun shown as a Sphinx

Everyone was patiently waiting their turn to see exhibits and take photos. 

The miniature coffin to guard the kings liver - I could just see inside where there were hieroglyphs and Isis with her wings held up like she was embracing the king (in protection!)

I took lots of photos but the high humidity was getting to me a bit - which was to help preserve the ancient objects.

 There was a lot of enthusiasm although I forgot this was London and strangers keep to themselves.  I did ask a lady to take my photo of me next to a fantastic necklace

This was a well put together and tasteful exhibition although this is not for academics, rather an exhibition for the masses to ignite a new generation of fans. I was there for 2 and a half hours but it passed in the blink of an eye although by the last gallery I was exhausted and I don't think it warrants a second visit as I have to travel so far to get there.  I've seen all I wanted to see.  It was quite overwhelming and I can now imagine what the Cairo Museum must be like.

One person commented that there would be Egyptomania once again!  I certainly hope so as I was too young to experience it the first time around....

The gift shop was a mix of tasteful and tacky expensive and reasonably priced.  You could even buy a replica Golden Mask although I didn't see how much that would cost. I bought the exhibition guide book for £15 and tasteful handbag mirror (£7) and a Ankh keyring (£5 I think).  There were lots of books by Zahi Hawass including a weighty book for £50 although it wasn't just about the exhibition and had much about Tutankhamun and Akhenaten and Nefertiti. I was tempted to buy the cross stitch kit for £10 but I thought that it would end up the draw unfinished...

Why Egyptology?

My husband asked me why i like Ancient Egypt.  He said its quite a dark subject.

I guess that can be true as a lot of the studies about Ancient Egypt is centred around their burials and death and their beliefs about the afterlife.

I had to think about why because I don’t really like the death part and looking at mummified pharoahs makes me sad.  They look so vulnerable. And also a bit grusome. Their teeth bared as the lips have receeded back to the gums and skin taught over the skull.  I also feel they should be left in their tombs rather in a museum to be gawped at.  Although there is a conflict inside me which says that if Egyptologists don’t find the tombs graverobbers will and desecrate the mummies.

There is one thing -their names will last forever and that is what they hoped by building monuments and temples in their lifetime.   The same thing is true today - we want to leave a legacy to be remembered for our achievements.  For some that is conquering Everest or being a great actor, or, on the flipside a powerful dictator.

I love the art, craft and monuments they created.  I am fascinated by the beatiful things they left behind.  It is the gold and glamour that interests many.  There is so much we know but also so much we don,t.  What did the Pharoahs really think and feel?

 I dont think i will ever know everything there is to know on the subject.