Hidden Histories: Names and Faces
Hidden Histories: Names and Faces explores some of the personal histories associated with a selection of objects in the Fitzwilliam Museum. How did a bronze lion from Yemen make it to Cambridge? What was the painting, now in the Fitzwilliam Museum, that the art historian and spy Anthony Blunt purchased in 1933, the year he first travelled to Russia? Who discovered the Cambridge Hoard of medieval coins?
Browse by name, theme or object, view our online exhibition to see how items in the Fitzwilliam Museum have inspired contemporary artists and writers, or post your own Hidden History!
Featured Hidden History
John Pratt (d. 1785)
Pratt is best remembered for being painted by George Stubbs on Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath. One of the leading jockeys of his time, he has remained very much in the shadow of Gimcrack to date. Further investigation, however, shows that he had a prolific career himself. At the same time jockey, breeder and trainer, Pratt was also a founding member of the Jockey Club. Indeed, his career offers valuable insights into the history of horseracing in England. Find out more
Hidden Histories: Names and Faces has been supported by the Designation Challenge Fund, a strand of the Renaissance programme run by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
