Dr Hend spent September 2023 in London undertaking research towards her project ‘Religious and Artistic Features of Kushite Royal Princesses’ Coffins: Three unpublished Coffins from Torino Museum’.

In the study room in the Department of Egypt and Sudan, British Museum

The purpose of my visit was to conduct research in various renowned institutions as follows:

The British Museum. The main purpose of my visit was to study a series of objects in the departments of Egypt and Sudan and Africa, Oceania and the Americas that are of great relevance to my research. I made extensive use of the libraries within Museum to cross-reference and gather supplementary information for my research. I was also able to attend the Annual Distinguished Lecture in Egyptology and take a tour of the various museum galleries.

The Petrie Museum – to study and photograph selected pieces for academic research.

The Wellcome Collection Library – my visit here provided a unique perspective on the history of diseases in Africa, and I gathered valuable resources that will greatly contribute to my ongoing work.

The library of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) – to review a wide range of books related to my research interests. The collection provided valuable insights into ancient African civilizations.

UCL. I delved into the extensive collection of the Institute of Archaeology library focussing on accessing books that are crucial to my ongoing research in my field. I also scheduled meetings with several professors from the university including Drs Cary J Martin, Adrienn Almásy-Martin, Claudia Naeser, and Prof Stephen Quirke.

The Egypt Exploration Society – this visit was particularly significant as it allowed me to explore the unique resources available in the Society’s Library.

With fellow Trust visitor Dr Hasnaa Abdellatif outside the offices of the Egypt Exploration Society

Throughout my visit, I also took the opportunity to explore several tourist attractions such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Camden Market, the Millennium Bridge, Hyde Park, and Piccadilly Circus.

In conclusion, my visit to London was highly productive and enriching. The resources and experiences gained from these institutions have significantly contributed to the advancement of my research. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Drs Chris Naunton, Anna Garnett, Julie Anderson, Cary Martin, Stephen Quirke, Claudia Naeser and all the staff of the British Museum for their assistance.