Coin Talk - Online
Coin Talk is a regular online talk hosted by the Money & Medals Network, presenting different element of numismatics from the basics to the more advanced. Each session will delve into a distinctive facet of numismatics, ranging from fundamental principles to advanced topics. Expect engaging talks lasting 30-40 minutes, with a dedicated Q&A session at the conclusion, allowing our audience to participate actively.
These talks are recorded, forming a valuable resource for MMN members keen on expanding their knowledge of various numismatic subjects.
The theme for this session is 'The First World War Next-of-Kin Memorial Plaque and its Ancient Imagery' by Giles Penman.
Giles Penman will discuss the Next-of-Kin Memorial Plaque awarded by the British Government after the First World War to millions of Next-of-Kin of British and imperial service personnel who died in the conflict. In the aftermath of the world’s first global conflict, the Memorial Plaques, individually named for the deceased, represent important cultural artefacts for the formation of early post-war memory. Giles will focus on the use of Ancient Greek and Roman imagery on the Memorial Plaque, including Britannia, wreaths and ancient inscription styles. Although the designer Edward Carter Preston left no record of his sources, Giles will investigate the possible ancient, historical and contemporary sources of the ancient images he adapted. Further, Giles will explore the perspectives of the Memorial Plaque’s government-appointed competition judges and commissioners, and global recipients’ reactions. Also, Giles will examine how appropriate ancient imagery was for the commemoration of the deceased of the First World War. Finally, Giles will discuss ways in which museums have displayed the Memorial Plaque.
Giles Penman has a long-held passion for the Ancient World and its material culture. He is especially interested in how subsequent societies have adapted ancient imagery and styles for their own purposes. After an undergraduate degree in Classics at King’s College London, Giles honed this interest with the MA degree in Ancient Visual and Material Culture at the University of Warwick, focussing on Numismatics. His MPhil research thesis concerned the use of Greco-Roman imagery on British printed media, medals and ceramics of the First World War 1914-1918 and the Inter-War Period 1919-1938. Giles has recently qualified as a Classics Teacher at the University of Cambridge.
Join us as we embark on this exciting journey into the world of coins and medals!
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*These talks are hosted on Microsoft Teams.