Find out more about Ancient Egypt at Wisbech Museum's summer exhibition

Souvenirs bought on a grand scale, together with letters home written from the Victorian tourist trail by Wisbech Quaker banker Alexander Peckover, provide a fresh and often funny viewpoint on Egypt 60 years before Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered.

Running from Saturday, July 26 until September 13 at Wisbech Museum, this exhibition of the venue’s extensive Egyptian collection includes objects taken from tombs which illustrate the ancients' view of the pathway to the afterlife as well as photographs sold to Victorian tourists and insights into how “Egyptomania” took a powerful hold on the Western imagination, which still exists today.

The fashion among the wealthy for taking a grand tour around Egypt started in Europe at the turn of the 19th century and had even begun to take hold in America before Alexander set off in 1863 with friends who had encouraged him to travel with them after the death of his young wife the previous year.

Open every week from 10am-4pm, Wednesday to Saturday, the exhibition is a great place for everyone to browse at their own level, whatever their age. Admission is free for those under the age of under-16s, students, and other eligible groups, and a year's pass for adults costs just £5.

At the Drop-in family open day on Wednesday, August 6, admission charges for everyone are waived, and children as young as five can enjoy crafts with an Egyptian theme, such as weaving and making their own amulet, as well as learning about the process of mummification.

Drop in at any time from 10am to 3pm on this day – no need to book.