Take a look around our Cast Gallery, and the dominant impression is that Greek and Roman sculpture is as pale as it is interesting.
But Greek and Roman sculpture was not colourless. In this trail, we explore what difference it might make to see Greek and Roman sculpture with its pigment restored. We also explore the consequences over the centuries of seeing the Greek and Roman world without colour.
Beyond the Pale tackles issues from paint shadows and invasive cleaning to 'facial angle theory’, race and imperialism. In doing so, it reveals some of the ways in which Greek and Roman sculpture has been used and abused as well as the diversity of ancient art and society.
Follow the trail...
Follow the trail from Bay A around the Gallery, and pick up a token at the front desk to have your say and vote on what you think the future of the Parthenon sculptures should be: should those in the British Museum stay in the British Museum or be returned to Greece?
- Interpretation panels available around the Cast Gallery
- Handtrail to follow
- Colouring sheets available from the Family Fun area in Bay A
Figurines from Naukratis in Bay A, never before on public display
The painted and restored Peplos Kore in Bay A
The Terme Boxer's reconstruction of complex polychromy in bronze, in Bay J
