Mary Beard opens Ness exhibition at the end of ‘eye-opening’ Orkney trip

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Ness of Brodar site director Nick Card, Professor Dame Mary Beard and Orkney Islands Council convener Graham Bevan at the official reception in the OIC council chamber this evening. (📷 Orkney Islands Council) — Ness of Brodgar site director Nick Card, Professor Dame Mary Beard and Orkney Islands Council convener Graham Bevan at the official reception in the OIC council chamber this evening. (📷 Orkney Islands Council)

Our exhibition at the Orkney Museum was officially opened this evening by the renowned classicist, presenter and author Professor Dame Mary Beard.

Prof Beard had travelled to Orkney for the event but also spent the week visiting archaeological sites, museums and galleries across the county – an experience, she said, that had completely opened her eyes.

Speaking at a reception in the Orkney Islands Council chamber, Prof Beard said: “What we have here is absolutely essential for understanding the long-term history of the British Isles.”

She added: “I think what this exhibition allows us to do is to celebrate what is a truly extraordinary achievement and celebrate all the people who have made that achievement possible and changed our view of what the distant past might look like.”

Our thanks to Prof Beard for helping make the opening a truly memorable experience for all.

The exhibition, Ness of Brodgar: Past, Present and Future runs at the Orkney Museum until September 28, 2024.