Obscurum - Lux: See Segedunum in a different light

The Roman Gallery at Segedunum is divided into a number of rooms looking at different buildings within the fort. This art installation is an interpretation in light of these buildings. So while there is the chance to see how objects might have looked by the light of a candle, or to see the barrack by the light of an open fire, there is also the opportunity to see light and colour used in different ways to illustrate the roles of the headquarters, the hospital and the commanding officer’s house. The installation looks at the gold stored in the strong-room, the red flames of fires burning on altars, the white light of the stars and the use of purple as a symbol of power.

It will not be possible to see all the objects on display in the cases as clearly as usual: the lighting levels are set to what it would have been like at twilight in Roman times when the only light available came from candles and lamps. Instead, this modern interpretation of the importance of light and colour in the Roman world is an opportunity to see the gallery and finds in a new and very different light.