Enchanted Objects: Adornment and Personal Protection from Amulets to the Mobile Phone

13 June to 9 November 2025 

Contemporary artist Dinah Kelly shines a light on the protective powers and symbolism of charms, talismans and amulets.Artist Dinah Kelly in her studio

Across the world and throughout time, people of all ages have adorned themselves and carried objects that they believed had the power to protect them from harm or bring good fortune to their lives.

Today we still have a strong belief in the power of lucky charms. We may carry an object on our person before an exam, an interview or sporting event, or to remind us of a special event or a particular moment in time. Even the mobile phone possesses an element of protection and importance that parallels earlier cultures and beliefs. Mobile phones have become a source of security and connection as we depend on them in the same way as a talisman, amulet or charm.

Artist Dinah Kelly drew inspiration from our past and present connections with amulets to create a series of intricate and striking talismanic shirts and protective jewellery. Woven through the Silk Roads gallery these works were displayed alongside historic objects from the collection. The installation also included some of Dinah’s sketchbooks and preliminary drawings, providing an insight into her artistic practice, and a talismanic shirt produced in collaboration with Creative Age, a weekly art group supporting people living with dementia and their carers.