The Egyptian Exploration Fund (EEF) was co-founded in 1882 by Amelia Edwards, a pioneering figure in Egyptology, and Reginald Stuart Poole. Edwards first traveled to Egypt in 1873 and became deeply concerned about the damage being done to ancient monuments due to tourism and development. Her experience motivated her to establish the EEF to explore, survey, and excavate Egypt’s rich archaeological sites.

Edwards believed in the importance of protecting these cultural treasures for future generations, and she worked to raise awareness through publications and public lectures. However, while her efforts aimed to preserve Egypt’s history, they also took place within the framework of the British Empire, which often viewed the artefacts of other cultures as objects to be collected and owned.

“Such is the fate of every Egyptian monument, great or small... every day, more inscriptions are mutilated, more tombs are rifled, more paintings and sculptures are defaced.

Amelia B Edwards, A Thousand Miles Up the Nile, 1877

In 1883, the EEF introduced a subscription scheme that allowed some of the artefacts discovered during their excavations to be legally exported to Britain. These items were first offered to Egyptian officials, but if not claimed, they could be sent to educational institutions in Britain. This process contributed to thousands of artefacts being brought to British museums, universities, and libraries for public display and education. While framed as a legal and educational endeavour, it is important to reflect on how this system fit into the larger colonial practice of appropriating cultural heritage from colonised regions.

Though private individuals could subscribe to the fund, they had to nominate a public institution, such as a museum or university, to receive the artefacts. This ensured that the collected items were placed in spaces where they could serve educational purposes, though it often excluded the populations from which the artefacts originated.

Amelia Edwards’ work in the 19th century reflects both the desire to protect ancient history and the unequal power dynamics of the time.

Today, there is growing recognition of the ethical issues surrounding the removal of cultural artefacts from their countries of origin, and debates around the repatriation of such items continue to evolve.

Edwards and Oldroyd, as women in a male-dominated field, made significant contributions to archaeology. However, their work also aligned with colonial systems that prioritised European claims to global heritage.

As modern museum practices move towards decolonisation and repatriation, it’s important to acknowledge this legacy and consider the future of cultural heritage preservation.