Candace Richards
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circa-candace.bsky.social
Candace Richards
@circa-candace.bsky.social
2.2K followers 920 following 150 posts
Museum type. Mediterranean archaeologist. Coeliac traveller. Typo aficionado.
Current research project: Reuse and recycling practices, Nea Paphos, Cyprus.
A/Curator at CCWM Sydney Uni.
Lives on unceded Gadigal land.
She/her
📸 my own unless credited
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circa-candace.bsky.social
Pompeii, Regio V Thermopolium doesn't disappoint!
The front face of a bar has a painted bright yellow border and three scenes. On the right is a black dog sitting with a chain to his collar. In the centre is a chicken with a big plumed tail. On the right are two upside down ducks. An L shaped bar, made up of ceramic vats sunk into the counter doors is in the middle of a room with amphorae leaning against it and the wall behind. This side of the bar has a yellow background and main scene of a woman, sea nymph, half naked draped in thin falling away cloths, as she rides a sea horse through the ocean. The end section of the bar photographed through the glass protecting the site. It has a jumble of amphorae standing on their pointed bases with a small uneven table (?) topped with vessels and a diminutive figure running along. In the sun shine the ruins of a building are supported by scaffolding. On one side is a sign painted in red and on the other a scene with a winding snake and vegetation.
September 27, 2025 at 6:10 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Displaying more finds from the site itself as part of the temple level (not in but cases along the sides) might have added some more detail and understanding? The only finds were as you entered and more 'a variety of material' rather than use of the site.
Two people with backpacks on look at a large wall display of ancient Roman artefacts. The artefacts are varied made from ceramic, metal, wood and leather.
September 20, 2025 at 6:24 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
I had a chance to visit the London Mithraeum and would love to hear other peoples thoughts!
Located under the Bloomberg building in central London, in the heart of the ancient Roman city, are the foundations of a 3rd C temple of Mithras, conserved and displayed in an immersive initiation experience.
In a dark room the ruins of stone and brick walls are preserved unevenly about a metre high. In the centre light shines on the outline of a figure riding a galloping bull wearing a billowing cape and soft beanie-like hat
September 20, 2025 at 6:11 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
5 weeks in Cyprus @caari-cyprus.bsky.social = serious library time plus fun museum and heritage excursions. The Ledra city is super cute, displaying the finds from the excavations on site. A figurine factory means lots of wasters. Favourite find has to be the terracotta bath tub.
A limestone two story house sits on a small hill with new trees planted around it. A series of ceramic fragments, including a rim and handle have fused together to form an odd shaped lump. On the bottom of a cream coloured lamp is a line drawing od a person wearing a stripey red and black cloak and dress. Their face is obscured where the image has worn away over time. A terracotta bathtub with a small internal seat and footwell is displayed in a museum. It has been restored from many fragments.
September 7, 2025 at 6:35 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
I'm not all about ancient stuff... I also like to make pots!

My first raku firing was an amazing time and the kiln gods were smiling upon me. Thanks to the instruction of Blake Clay, instagram: www.instagram.com/_blake_clay?...
Outsode an outstretched hand holds up a copper coloured shiny angular pot with a black base. It glistens in the sun.
July 18, 2025 at 6:55 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Back in the office energy.
An ancient face of a gorgon is painted in the middle of a black cup. She has big big like eyes swirling red hair and a wide open mouth sticking out her big red tongue.
January 13, 2025 at 5:20 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Got a peep at the new Pompeii exhibition at National Museum of Australia. Some phenomenal finds have made their way from the Pompeii Archaeological Park displayed among an immersive streetscape. Of course, I was too busy chatting with friends old and new to take many pics, but see it for yourself!📜🏺
A green round bronze vessel is encrusted around its rim and shoulder with chunky brown coloured lava stones (lapilli) and has a label that reads: Situla (storage vessel) bronze, lapilli 1st century CE Excavated 2018
December 13, 2024 at 6:28 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Woodhouse returned to the Kerameikos to photograph the monument of Demetria and Pamphile as the excavations progressed either in 1907/8 or 1921 flic.kr/p/VzB7zM
In an Archaeological site a marble monument depicting two women is raised above the ground on a sandstone monumental brick plinth.
December 1, 2024 at 11:27 PM
circa-candace.bsky.social
The Kerameikos, Athens, taken by William Woodhouse in the 1890s. The monument for Demetria and Pamphile was revealed during the 1870 excavations of the Archaeological Society at Athens under the direction of St. Koumanoudis, K.D. Mylonas, v. Stais & G. Oikonomou 🏺📜
flic.kr/p/UU76Co
A black and white image of an archaeological site with paths around marble and stone standing monuments of different height and preservation. On the left in the foreground is a large monument depicting two women inside a rectangular frame.
December 1, 2024 at 11:23 PM
circa-candace.bsky.social
The work by Crafted Liberation also featured at he Austtalian Design Centre is incredible. This project is a collective action, transforming unwanted headscarfs donated by Iranian women into stadium seats as a statement for women's empowerment. More on their insta www.instagram.com/crafted_libe...
A series of colourful seats are installed on benches. Each one has a different pattern. Exhibition poster. Crafted Liberation. 22 November 2024 - 19 February 2025 Crafted Liberation is a collective action, transforming headscarves donated by Iranian women into stadium seats, as a statement for women’s empowerment. These headscarves, once symbols of enforced tradition, now embody personal choice and resilience. Through circular material innovation and storytelling, these objects amplify Iranian women's inspiring journeys, creating spaces for acceptance, belonging, and dialogue. Created from the heart by RK Collective, initiated by Iranian-Australian designer, Nila Rezaei, this exhibition calls for awareness and solidarity for women in Iran and beyond. Collaborating with local manufacturing partners, using a combination of lamination and compression moulding techniques, a unique material was created. This material combines the headscarves with recycled polymers, referencing the composite materials traditionally used in stadium seat construction. Each seat’s unique visual appearance carries the story and strength of the Iranian women who donated their scarves. With a commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this project’s core mission is to promote cultural inclusion and environmental sustainability through tangible products. Crafted Liberation envisions a future where headscarves represent personal choice, not compulsion, and where every Iranian woman enjoys equal rights and freedoms.
November 22, 2024 at 10:35 PM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Last night I was very lucky to be at the opening of some amazing new exhibitions at the Australian Design Centre. Vipoo Srivilasa's ReJoy has paid tribute to the broken ceramics of migrant friends that speak about their past and communities, transforming them into new monumental sculptures.
A close up of an old teacup fused into a white and gold ceramic pedestal that is actually the arm of a large anthropomorphic figurine out of frame. A ceramic white anthropomorphic figure with flower decoration with gold accents and a happy face has two short arms lifted up towards the ceiling. On one is a small older teacup of a different style fused into the sculpture. The figure is on a wooden plinth in a gallery with a big window.in the background which says (in reverse) re joy. Vipoo Srivilasa.
November 22, 2024 at 10:26 PM
circa-candace.bsky.social
This phenomenal installation by Gadigal (Sydney) based artist Glenn Barkely reflects on ancient forms, archaeological thought, and the contemporary ceramic industry. Each token was painstakingly stamped and glazed to create a riotous field behind the staged forms on the decal covered tile shelf.
In the corner of a lilac purple wall is installed colourful ceramic tokens and medallions in a large oval. In the middle of the oval are white tiled shelves which have collage style decals of pottery shapes and kilns and people's faces. On the shelf are 11 different hand built pots of different shapes and sizes. Some are in terracotta with gold lustre details others are in white stone ware with pastel coloured words and details. On a tiled shelf with pictures of pottery, people and kids cut out from magazines and applied as decals, sits three hand made pots. One is a terracotta open vessel with golden criss crossed patterns. One is a vase with a round body and tall neck.in white stone ware with the a detail in blue and pink on the front. The third is a pink closed form in the shape of a shell with a really long thin neck. It sits on a cylindrical base with coloured ears attached. On a tiled shelf with cut out pictures of pots and kilns, are different hand made pots. In the front is a terracotta form of three balls at the base, one in the centre from which a tall cylindrical neck arises. A handle is at the back of the vase abs around the form are decorative gold balls.
November 19, 2024 at 1:49 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
On now 'Kerameikos- the potters' quarter' CCWM Sydney Uni. This exhibition showcases seven contemporary ceramic artists responding to Sydney Uni's historic collections. The concept was inspired by the ancient pottery workshops of the Mediterranean. www.sydney.edu.au/museum/whats...
📷Jacquie Manning
In a museum gallery, people wander around a colourful exhibition of ceramics. In the foreground are small delicate works referencing hair pins and women's ornaments, in the middle are large sculptural forms referencing ancient vase shapes and in the background are small pots on different shaped plinths and wall shelves.
November 18, 2024 at 1:49 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Not sure why my peacock keeps stretching out on upload!
Detail of a peacock mosaic with white background and blues and greens used to make the peacock and a spring thay he is walking towards.
November 17, 2024 at 3:35 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Spent some time on the floor yesterday with some old faves #ancientbluesky #Roman
Exhibition view of Roman pottery in the foreground and marble heads and a headless sculpture in the middle of a plinth. The display is light filled in front of large windows with greenery in the far distance. Close cropped view of part of a mosaic with a white tessera background and blue and green tiles used to depict a peacock and a single sprig. A marble flat lod is sculpted in low relief depicting a central round shield and in each corner is different military garb including a helmet with horns, greaves, body armour and a helmet with a long plume.
November 17, 2024 at 12:20 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
New Year and new research! Checking out the archives of the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum on victoriancollections.net.au - came across this fabulous bra that once belonged to Mrs Zilpah Winifred Carroll (nee Parker). victoriancollections.net.au/items/544482... 📜
Screengrab of Yarra Ranges Regional Museum entry on Victorian Collections website featuring a Brassiere. The Brassiere is made of white or cream lace with triangular flat cups and simple singluar straps.
January 4, 2024 at 12:25 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
🤔 I really let that museum30 slide! I always think I should post and share more and then fail miserably at doing so during the work day. Then try to switch off and don't post out of hours... Anyway, here are some fun install shots with Rob of Impressions of Greece, olive edition. 🏛ccwm 📸 Luke Parker
A person is photographed in a museum gallery from above. On a bench along the wall is a series of tools laid put and a wide dish on a museum plinth lit from a above. On the wall is a black and white photogrpah of a village produce stall. A person wearing greek shirt and shorts, drills into the side of a museum display case that rests on a bench. Inside the case is a small jug sitting in a grey block. Behind it is a black and white photography of a classical Greek building (the erectheion on the Athenian Acropolis). In the foreground is a blue trolley with a series of white and cream cushions with the edge of a decorative plate visible.
December 11, 2023 at 9:38 PM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Museum30, Day 20, Pride. An amazing new exhibition has just gone up at CCWM on photographer Barbara McGrady "Australia has a Black history" including this fierce and fabulous work titled "First Nation Divas Shine" taken at 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. 📜🏛
www.sydney.edu.au/museum/whats...
Three first nations drag queens pose for a photograph dressed in sequined red, yellow and black tight fitting dresses and the person in the middle wears a pink sequenced outfit with a pink flower. The photograph is framed and hung on a white wall. Label text for photograph reads "First Nation Divas Shine, Mardi Gras, Darlinghurt, 2016. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an annual event in February which grew from gay rights political parade in 1978 to become one of the biggest events, drawing huge crowds from here and overseas. It still maintains its political edge with a party atmosphere. The parade is always led out by the First Nations float."
November 23, 2023 at 5:09 AM
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Museum30, Day 19, shadows. Artist Daniel Boyd's installation Pediment/Impediment questions what was left in the shadows of the 'enlightenment' period. His use of vinyl over the glass top of this 1895 Acropolis model creates a dappled light effect inviting the viewer to alter their perceptions. 🏛Usyd
In a glass sided case is a plaster model of the Athenian Acropolis. The sloping are of the hill on the left holds the theatre of Dionysos, and the building of the Partenon and Erectheion are recreated on the top in the centre. Over the whole is a dotted light effect with shadows cast over the majority of the work. On a timber floor is a wooden case holding a plaster model of the acropolis the top of rhe glass case has a black film.with cut out circles making it difficult to see through. The viewer must instead look through the sides at the model in shadows.
November 23, 2023 at 4:44 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
#MosaicMonday - taking a break from Museum30 to share this gorgeous Roman mosaic Medusa on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The fine detail of the wrapping around the cheeks of the staring figure, gorgeous!
Unknown provenance. 🏺📜🏛
In a glass museum case is a slab of plaster or concrete with a mosaic in the centre. The tesserae used are very small creating a nuanced art work of a round Medusa face with a pouting expression on her lips and brown eyes staring out at the viewer below thick black eyebrows. Her hair is a wispy tangle of brown strands with two black and white snakes curling out of her hair over her cheeks. Her face gas a bow under the neck and surrounded by blue background.
November 20, 2023 at 6:50 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Museum30, day 17, hands. The doubling effect on the hands of the image of the king is created as the tomb artists changed one image of a king into another. This is the tomb of Rameses V reused by Rameses VI that was discovered in the Greco-Roman period. 🏺📜
🏛Luxor 'outdoor museum'
In a limestonenrock surface is a carved figure of an Egyptian King, the outline of the figure is carved over another leaving a doubling effect on the arms and hands of the figure. Very little pigment and text appears on the wall surrounding the image.
November 19, 2023 at 7:07 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Museum30, Day 16, technology. Humanity's development of new tools to make meeting our needs and wants easier is such a fun lens to explore the past through.
A new fav object of mine is this latrine seat from 18th dyn. Amarna! Making it easier to go to the loo hasn't changed much.
🏺📜 🏛 Cairo
In a wooden frame with glass pane is a rectangular white stone with a shallow rounded surface and a central channel allowing for someone to sit and go to the toilet through the channel. A label above the object reads in Arabic then English 'Latrine seat, El-amarna xiii dyn.'
November 19, 2023 at 5:13 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Museum30, Day 15, frame.
A favourite work on display at the Museu Picasso, Barcelona is this whimsically painted frame. By Picasso, 1902-03. 🏛📜
An empty wooden picture frame hangs on a grey wall. The frame has a white background and has a variety of scenes painted on each section. The top has a floating figure in a blue sea in the middle, to the right is a golden fish and to the left the head of a bull. On the left side panel is a woman with long flowing golden hair turning a pot upside down with flowing water is painted below a pot with a single red flower, on the right a man with a beard looks down towards a woman in black outline are painted below another pot and red flower. The bottom panel has curling green leaves either a single red flower in the centre
November 18, 2023 at 4:14 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Museum30, Day 14, travel.
I am very fortunate to have been travelling this past month and visiting many museums, getting to know local traditions of material culture, and different heritage practices.
This was a real wow moment, a life-sized scupltural cinerary urn from Baza Grenada (🏛 Madrid) 📜🏺
Central in a large museum showcase is a life-sized ceramic sculpture of a woman seated on a throne with large wing like sides. The sculpture is depicted with large earrings and necklace and has been painted with a white under coat with details in pink. In front of the sculpture is bronze weapons laying on the floor with regular sized ceramic pots painted in similar tones.
November 18, 2023 at 3:53 AM
circa-candace.bsky.social
Museum30, day 13, storage. These large storage dolia are part of the Roman garum and salted fish factory of ancinet Barcino, preserved under the streets of Plaça del Rei, Gothic Barcelona. Fantastic interpretation and tourist presentation of the archaeology site by the Museu D'Historia 🏺📜🏛
In a dark underground space, stone walls of two courses rise from the soil. Between them are oversized ceramic vessels with broken edges. In the distance is visible columns and a wooden walkway above the rubble to allow tourists to walk around the ruins.
November 17, 2023 at 3:36 AM