Five thousand pounds worth of gold is set to be hidden across North Lincolnshire as part of an art treasure hunt. Artist Luke Jerram, commissioned by the 20-21 Arts Centre in Scunthorpe, has created the work titled Treasured City.
Five small objects from the North Lincolnshire Museum have been selected for wax replicas, which will be cast in £1,000 worth of 18-carat gold. From February, the gold replicas will be hidden for the public to find and keep.
Clues for the treasure hunt will be disguised in five paintings on display at the Arts Centre. Dominic Mason, 20-21's exhibition officer, said the clues would vary in difficulty, with one so hard to crack that the gold may not be found. As a legacy, that painting will remain on display at the museum with the golden artefact hidden indefinitely.
Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram explained: 'I like the idea that ancient objects that were once hidden beneath the earth and were discovered and displayed at the museum are now being re-hidden.' The exhibition, funded by the Lottery and Arts Council England, runs from 18 February to 29 April.
