The Mildenhall Treasure is a collection of thirty-four silver objects found in a field in Suffolk in the 1940’s. This Object in Focus book by Richard Hobbs tells the story of its discovery. There was some controversy over who found what and exactly where, as well the delay in declaring the find under Treasure Trove law.

The Mildenhall Treasure comprises dishes, bowls, spoons and trays but is not a complete dinner service. The pieces have complex imagery and there are different styles. Hobbs looks at the imagery in detail to see what we can learn about who might have commissioned and used it. He also explores the sophisticated metal-working techniques used to make the pieces. It was originally thought that objects as fine as these would have been imported to Britain, but more recent archaeology suggests they could have been made by local craftspeople.

As with all Object in Focus books, The Mildenhall Treasure is a fascinating little book that uses a single object to explore history, culture and technology.