First clues revealed to the golden treasure awaiting discovery in northern Lincolnshire

An art gallery is expecting a small gold rush as treasure-hunters turn up to find the first clues to the whereabouts of five hidden gold objects, worth at least £2,500treasure each.
The five golden objects which are hidden in Scunthorpe and North LincolnshireThe five golden objects which are hidden in Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire
The five golden objects which are hidden in Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire

The artefacts have been cast in 18 carat gold by artist Luke Jerram from objects in the North Lincolnshire Museum collection.

A series of intricate paintings, which contain clues to their whereabouts, are going on display from 10am tomorrow at the town's 20-21 Visual Arts Centre.

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The paintings were created with the aid of a professional code-breaker, with one said to be so obvious even a child could find it, but others harder to crack.

The golden ram was cast from a Roman figurine discovered in WinteringhamThe golden ram was cast from a Roman figurine discovered in Winteringham
The golden ram was cast from a Roman figurine discovered in Winteringham

It is finders keepers, with the member of public getting to keep the object and being able to decide which venue in the area gets to keep the associated painting.

Mr Jerram said: “There’s a real mixture including one that could be solved by a child, others that could be deciphered by the average person and more challenging puzzles for mathematicians or code-breaking enthusiasts to try their hand at.

"One of the puzzles may take some months or even years to solve, if indeed it is ever cracked.”

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The treasure hunt is part of a project called Treasured City, which is designed to encourage people to visit Scunthorpe and the surrounding area and encourage people who wouldn't normally come into a gallery to have a look.

Vivienne Baker putting the final touches to one of the "clue" canvasesVivienne Baker putting the final touches to one of the "clue" canvases
Vivienne Baker putting the final touches to one of the "clue" canvases

Exhibitions officer Dominic Mason said they weren't sure what to expect: "People here seem to think there will be too many people (coming) as opposed to too little.

"I know people are getting together in groups to try and solve it.

"It's the kind of project which will be of interest to the international treasure hunting community."

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