Since starting my PhD which a CDP project with the Ashmolean Museum I have been granted many great opportunities to broaden my understanding of my topic. Working with the Ashmolean Museum has also been a great privilege, allowing me incredible access to both collections and expertise.
My PhD focuses on the metallurgy of Iron Age copper alloys in the Upper to Middle Thames valley. Looking for potential sites, and seeing what work has been done in this area so far have both been brilliant learning experiences. I have started producing some case studies and have been lucky enough to be able to work with finds in the Ashmolean collection.
My most recent case study was looking at bronzes found at the Iron Age and Romano British temple site of Woodeaton, Oxfordshire. I analysed both Iron Age and Roman artefacts with the pXRF, this showed a clear difference in the metals being used in each period, which was excellent to see.
I have also been granted the opportunity to support the wider REMADE project, by attending research trips to both Fishbourne Roman Palace and to Vindolanda, in order to aid with the pXRF analysis and intrusive sampling of beautiful (and les so) Roman finds.
I am looking forward to starting on my next case study analysing Iron Age finds held at the Ashmolean and to see what further craft stories this reveals.