Star objects from the South End galleries
These fantastic objects give a flavour of the displays in the South End galleries. They include favourites such as the sculpture of Salammbo by Maurice Ferrary, Chinese ceramics, Wedgwood and 18th century paintings.
Each object has its own unique story to tell. The figure of Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy, once stood in a temple in China while the Chinese ceramic elephants were also used in a temple as ornaments on the altar. The portrait of Emma, Lady Hamilton, is a favourite with visitors to the gallery but did you know that Emma was born nearby, at Ness in Wirral?
There is a link between Emma and Wedgwood’s stunning Portland Vase. The Portland Vase was copied from an ancient Roman cameo glass vase brought back to England in 1783 by Emma’s husband, Sir William Hamilton.
Browse through our star objects and find out what interesting stories they reveal.