University News Last updated 21 August 2012
An ‘Olympic Hoard’ featuring unique memorabilia from the 1912 Olympic Games is currently on display at Birmingham City University.
Claire Edwards, from Birmingham City University marketing team, discovered a medal, an official scroll, sepia photographs and the original ‘Team GB’ uniform, which was hidden at the back of a family wardrobe.
Claire’s great-grandfather Robert Murray competed in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm where he competed in three events in small-bore rifle shooting, winning gold and silver medals.
Robert Murray’s Olympic Collection is currently on temporary display at the University’s School of Jewellery at Vittoria Street in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. For more information contact: 0121 331 6735.
The University’s exhibition coincides with many of Team GB’s modern heroes - such as double gold medal winner Mo Farah, long-jump champion Greg Rutherford and 400-meter silver winner Christine Ohuruogu - coming to the city to compete at Alexander Stadium for the Birmingham Aviva Grand Prix athletics meeting on Sunday.
A hundred year ago Robert Murray was part of the 38-strong British shooting team which took part in the Games of the Fifth Olympiad. Office Manager Claire said: “This is a proud moment for our family and an exciting discovery.
“We knew about the medals and the scroll but the jacket was a completely new find which I found in a plastic bag at the bottom of my granddad’s wardrobe - it did smell a little musty but I am pleased to say it is all in one piece.”
As well as Claire’s family, the rare find has also excited her academic academics at Birmingham City University.
Paul Glennon, Associate Dean of the University’s Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD), said: “Our fashion tutors and students will be very interested in the double-breasted tunic and to discover how a garment was designed and constructed a hundred years ago. Even the design of the 1912 logo on the breast pocket is fascinating when compared to the modern 2012 Team GB design.”
Also, technologists from the University’s School of Jewellery have examined the 1912 medal to see how it was constructed.
Claire Edwards explained how the items were discovered. Inspired by London 2012, Claire scoured her family’s home in search of her great-grandfather’s medals and uncovered a whole host of memorabilia including a 100 year old Olympic jacket and scroll.
