Matthew Pinsent takes a look at one of the medals which appeared at the Hunterian Museum before London 2012. The Glasgow venue's current show follows the history of the sculptures© LOCOG
When this exhibition began, the set of Olympic gold medals it accompanied, which were on temporary loan to the Hunterian for a dozen days in July, seemed precious.
Artist David Watkins designed the London 2012 medals. The circular form is a metaphor for the world, and the front always depicts the same imagery at the summer Games - the Greek Goddess of Sport, Nike, leaving the depiction of the Parthenon© LOCOG
Versions in all shapes and sizes from across the world feature, cast in metal, bronze, copper or alloy.
Arranged geographically in a display dubbed a Paris Fashion Week for the medal world, they date as far back as the Renaissance and honour acts of bravery as well as sporting prowess.
Combining art and sporting excellence, the Hunterian – where 70,000 coins, medals and tokens make up one of the world’s finest numismatic collections - is the perfect arena for it.
- Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (11am-4pm Sunday). Admission free.
More pictures from the Olympic medals loan:
Double Olympic Gold medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes and Seb Coe revealed the London 2012 Olympic Medals at celebrations held in Trafalgar Square a year before the 2012 Games© LOCOG
Designer Lin Cheung introduces the medals for the Paralympic Games to Jeremy Hunt
© David Poultney, LOCOG
© David Poultney, LOCOG
Cheung is a practising Jewellery artist and senior lecturer in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, London© LOCOG
Watkins was on hand to present his medal design at the launch
© LOCOG
© LOCOG
The Paralympic Games will begin on August 29 2012
© LOCOG
© LOCOG
