A light in the dark: Make a Roman oil lamp

Come and make a Roman-inspired oil lamp.

You may be used to just flicking a switch to put your bedroom lights on, but no so very long ago people relied on candles and oil lamps to light the dark British nights.

Some of the most interesting examples of oil lamps were brought to Britain by the Roman Empire and remained in use for hundreds of years. Their lids often featured elaborate designs comprising geometric patterns, animals or scenes depicting Roman or British mythology.

Explore RAMM’s Ancient Worlds gallery to be inspired by the oil lamps on display there, then join us in the Courtyard to fashion your own out of clay. What will you etch into the lid?