Ancient Artifacts Done Right

Jonathan Jones likes what he sees from the British Museum’s revamped prehistoric galleries. “There is no denying the beauty of prehistoric artefacts. You can disguise it, though, by displaying hundreds of arrowheads in cases that don’t seem to have been dusted since the 1950s – which is why this new set of modern and gracious galleries comes as a joy. The real test of the dynamic new British Museum is how well it does its basic job of displaying the ancient past. Very well, is the answer from looking at this new suite. It’s simple and smart, so as you walk along, you perceive changing time as a succession of colours.”