25/09/2026
We’re thrilled and incredibly privileged to share that we were asked to create a replica of this wonderful Roman running hare brooch as part of the Can You Hear Us? project. 🐇
The replica is currently part of the touring exhibition of the ‘Folktastic Isle’ project, and you’ll be able to see our bronze hare alongside some other fantastic historical replicas at:
📍 Dimbola Museum & Galleries — 21st September–4th October
📍 Graft Studios — 10th–18th October
Creating this little hare was a real team effort here at Honeybourne Jewellery, involving all three of us makers. From drawing up the design, laser engraving and hand piercing, through to forming, soldering, enamelling, hand finishing and polishing — this tiny piece certainly put us through our paces!
It’s hard not to think about how incredibly tricky this must have been to make around 1,900 years ago, without any of the modern technology and tools we have at our fingertips today. The skill and craftsmanship of the original maker is truly remarkable.
The original brooch is a Roman hare brooch, dating to around 1,900 years ago, when hare brooches were particularly popular. What makes it even more fascinating is where it was found: in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Bowcombe Down, near Carisbrooke.
The brooch was discovered alongside a headless skeleton, which had been buried around 300 years after the brooch itself was made. Despite its long journey through time, the little hare was found in remarkably good condition.
It has been such a privilege to bring this tiny piece of history back to life — and we absolutely loved the challenge! Thank you to the team at .carnival and for trusting us with this project.
