Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs at O2

This was the first major exhibition of the treasures of Tutankhamun to visit London for more than 30 years. Billed as an extensive exhibition of more than 130 artefacts from the tomb of the celebrated Pharaoh and other Valley of the Kings ancestors.

35 years ago, when Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus was first displayed in London, people queued for hours outside the British Museum. That exhibition had a profound influence on British art and culture.

This show didn’t live up to that billing. It was interesting enough; the exhibition designers had done a great job. But the venue was too new and too large. Despite having to select and enter at a timeslot, the rooms were empty, not only of visitors but also of exhibits.

And the mask of Tutankhamen, displayed on all the posters, turned out to be a beautifully exquisite but tiny statuette.