13 January 2006

Brewin Dolphin Securities, the UK 's largest independent portfolio manager and stockbroker, celebrated the homecoming of a 1,800 year old Roman pan last night, as sole sponsor of this unique historical artefact.

The exhibition launch took place at the Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent , Staffordshire and is the first time that the Roman Pan has been on display to the public within the region where it was discovered.

Over 160 guests from the local community joined Brewin Dolphin for the exclusive preview of the Staffordshire Moorlands Patera, which will now be on display to the public from tomorrow (14^th January) at the Potteries Museum until the end of 2006.

Deb Klemperer, Curator of Local History at the Potteries Museum gave a captivating presentation to the audience about the history of the pan, its discovery and the significance of this artefact for British archaeology.

She explained how experts have been working to decipher the meaning of the elaborate decorations and inscriptions of the pan, which was discovered a mere one foot underground by four local metal detector enthusiasts in 2003.

The Latin engraving runs around the pan and depicts four Forts which were located at the Western end of Hadrian's Wall , as well as the name of Aelius Draco, who may have been the craftsman or the client for whom the pan was commissioned. If the latter is the case, it is likely that Draco served in the army and was perhaps given the pan as a souvenir upon retirement.

Commenting on the event, Max Thowless-Reeves, Investment Manager at Brewin Dolphin Securities, Stoke-on-Trent said:

“Brewin Dolphin is delighted to be sponsoring a regional event that holds such significance both locally and nationally and I am sure that the overwhelming interest in the artefact will continue throughout the year as visitors travel to the Potteries Museum to see the Roman vessel for themselves.”

“Last night's exhibition was fascinating - from actually seeing the Patera on display, to learning about the meanings and relevance of the messages inscribed on it. Overall, the launch event was a huge success.”