Party leaders back Staffordshire Hoard campaign

25 January 2010

The Art Fund today announces that the three major UK political party leaders are backing the Staffordshire Hoard campaign.

Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have all pledged support for The Art Fund’s campaign to save the Staffordshire Hoard for the West Midlands.

The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP said: "The Staffordshire Hoard is a wonderful example of our ‘hidden heritage’, lying just below ground for centuries before literally coming to light this summer. It has a fascinating story to tell and will in time provide numerous insights into how our Anglo Saxon forebears lived, and the amazing beauty of the craftwork they produced. I really hope that the money can be raised to keep it where it belongs: in the English midlands, as a source of wonder, knowledge and delight for young and old forever."

Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, said: "The Staffordshire Hoard is the most exciting Anglo-Saxon find since Sutton Hoo, and in many ways exceeds it. The treasures unearthed are simply magical, and will take forward our understanding of Britain's past. I am particularly delighted that the hoard will be displayed near where it was found. The queues that formed to see it when it was on display in Birmingham show that it will become a hugely important attraction for the area. I am delighted to support The Art Fund's important appeal to raise the money to ensure the hoard stays in the Midlands for millions of Britons to enjoy."

Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “I’m delighted to support The Art Fund’s campaign to put the Staffordshire Hoard on view to the public. The Hoard is a fantastic set of historical artefacts, of enormous cultural and artistic interest, and it’s great to see that so much effort is being put into keeping it in the West Midlands. In the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent, the West Midlands offer superb facilities. I wish this campaign every success, so that future generations can come and learn about our rich Anglo-Saxon history.”

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