Join the Timeless Treasures Project
The Museum of Chelmsford recently announced that a hoard of 933 gold Iron Age coins, thought to be possibly linked to Julius Caesar, has been acquired by the museum, thanks to a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Great Baddow Hoard is an exceptional find of national importance, shedding light on the activity of Iron Age tribes in the east of England.
It was acquired in May 2025 thanks to funding of £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional contributions came from Chelmsford City Council, Friends of Chelmsford Museums, Essex Society for Archaeology and History, Essex Heritage Trust, Council for British Archaeology East, and Essex Numismatics Society.
Opportunities
The Heritage Fund grant will also support a series of projects to engage the local community with the hoard, which is set to go on display at the Museum of Chelmsford from summer 2026.
The Museum of Chelmsford is looking for a freelancer, artistic company, or collective to lead a community and/or a schools activity centred around the Great Baddow Coin Hoard.
Key points
- Budget: £9,200 (excluding VAT), inclusive of a £6,000 artist commission.
- Timeline:
- Workshops: August 2025 – December 2025
- Outcome Ideas Finalised: January 2026
- Install: May/June 2026
What you'll do:
- Deliver arts-based workshops to inspire the community and interpret ‘treasure’.
- Engage with existing groups and forge new connections.
- Design and install workshop outcomes in the exhibition.
Who we’re looking for:
- Skilled in creative practice and community engagement.
- Proven track record of inspiring workshops, working with young people and adults.
- Understanding of health and safety, equal opportunities, and safeguarding.
Download the Creative Practitioner job brief
Key points
- Budget: £9,250 (excluding VAT), inclusive of a £8,000 artist commission.
- Timeline:
- Workshops: November 2025 – February 2026
- Planning: July – Sept 2025
- CPD and testing: Feb- May 2026
What you'll do
- Design and deliver school workshops, inspiring pupils to explore the Great Baddow Hoard and the idea of what is ‘treasure’.
- Work with Year 3 pupils to create an Inspiration Box.
- Share and test the Inspiration Box with 4 local schools.
- Share your work with Museum of Chelmsford’s Curatorial and Learning Team.
Who we're looking for:
- Skilled in creative practice and KS2 pupil engagement.
- Proven track record of inspiring workshops, working with young people and adults.
- Understanding of health and safety, equal opportunities, and safeguarding.
Download the Education Practitioner job brief
The application deadline for both roles is Monday 2 June, 5pm.
To apply, please email us on curatorial.enquiries@chelmsford.gov.uk with the following information:
- Your CV
- A covering note or letter, which includes which role you are applying for
- Images of previous work
- A written, audio or visual expression of interest in the project and why your skills are most suited to meeting the brief. If written, please do not exceed 500 words.
Your proposal should briefly outline your practice, how you feel it relates to the project and outline your initial ideas for how you would approach the community or school workshops. Tell us about what experience you have and consider what tasks you might include to help explore the Great Baddow Coin Hoard.
Applicants are welcome to apply for both roles.
Apply now to help us unlock the potential of the Great Baddow Coin Hoard and create lasting cultural connections and a legacy for Chelmsford!