London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic medals on show at The Hunterian

Photo: olympic medals 2012. 10 until 22 July, 2012

Visitors to The Hunterian this July will have the unique opportunity to see London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic gold medals before the Games begin.

The University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum will be the only venue in Scotland to display the medals which will be on show from 10 until 22 July.

Admission is free.

The loan coincides with a new exhibition dedicated to medals in The Hunterian's Kelvin Gallery. 'Modern Medals' opens on 15 July and features almost 1000 modern art medals from all over the world, showcasing the amazing diversity of this type of miniature sculpture, now recognised as an art form in its own right.

The Olympic and Paralympic gold medals complement the show perfectly and offer a rare treat for both medal enthusiasts and sport fans.

The Olympic gold medal was designed by British artist David Watkins, an established artist in the field of decorative art. The Paralympic gold medal was designed by Lin Cheung, a practising Jewellery artist and senior lecturer in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, London.

The front of the Olympic medal depicts Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, stepping out of the Parthenon and arriving in the host city. The reverse is a modern design symbolising the city of London and competition.

The Paralympic medal features a close-up section of an outstretched wing of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, representing 'Spirit in motion' - forward flight, power and lightness - a natural metaphor for the spirit of the Paralympic Games. The reverse represents 'The heart of victory' - a depiction of the area close to the heart of the Goddess, symbolically chosen to reflect inclusion and togetherness at an historical event.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded at approximately 800 Victory Ceremonies across the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The two gold medals have been loaned to The Hunterian by The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Olympic Gold
10 - 22 July 2012
Hunterian Museum

Modern Medals
15 July - 19 August 2012
Hunterian Museum (Kelvin Gallery)

Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow, Gilbert Scott building, Glasgow G12 8QQ

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm
Admission free www.glasgow.ac.uk/hunterian

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