Howard Carter Mosaic Pyramid
Community Artwork Celebrating Legacy
and Local Creativity in Swaffham
In 2022, The Swaffham Cultural Consortium—led by Sue Gattuso of Swaffham Museum and supported by Historic England—commissioned a community mosaic pyramid as part of the Carter22 celebrations, marking 100 years since Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Initially envisioned as a statue, the idea evolved into something more inclusive: a collaborative artwork inviting a broad community involvement and creative interpretation of Howard Carter’s legacy.
Standing 1.5 metres tall and installed outdoors on a plinth between the Methodist Church and Swaffham Museum, the pyramid features 320 triangular mosaic tiles—each created by different contributors. Its mirrored elements and glazed surfaces catch changing light throughout the day, reflecting both its surroundings and the dynamic spirit of the project.
The piece was designed by Carolyn to not only commemorate Carter’s famous archaeological discovery, but to reflect the lesser-known aspects of his life—such as his 30 year work as a painter and pigment specialist in Egypt, and his later efforts to keep artefacts within the country. These elements offered participants a broader and more nuanced figure to respond to.
Creative Freedom
and Community Involvement
Each workshop began with the offer of inspiration in the form of Egyptian colour, symbols, and hieroglyphs, though participants were encouraged to follow their own ideas. Creativity, storytelling, and personal reflection were key, with each tile capturing something unique—from family history and local identity to abstract design or playful motifs.
Over 300 people took part, ranging in age from 3 to 107. Workshops included sessions at Great Dunham Primary School and The Paddocks care home, where residents contributed with enthusiasm and independence. Many local organisations were involved, including the Swaffham Men’s Shed, the Lionesses, the Rotary Club, Mothers' Union, Womens' Institute, Age Concern, the Dementia Cafe, the Young Farmers, and representatives from all church denominations. In one memorable session, four generations of two newly connected old Swaffham families created tiles side by side.
Fragments, Colour, and Character
Materials included ceramics, glass, mirror, and small personal items such as badges, bottle tops, and heirloom crockery. Each tile is outlined in black, with gold ceramic lining the edges of the pyramid. Purple was deliberately avoided in reference to Egyptian colour traditions—though one happily beligerent participant delightfully subverted with a splash of it.
Celebrated by the Community
The pyramid has received wide appreciation since its installation. Its vibrant presence, whether in sunlight or rain, invites people to pause and reflect on Swaffham’s layered heritage and the power of shared creative acts.
A Tribute to Swaffham’s Story
The project was realised through the generosity and energy of the local community, with support and guidance from Mosaic Memories. The Howard Carter Mosaic Pyramid now stands as a colourful, collaborative tribute—not only to a historic figure, but to the people and stories of Swaffham itself.
