Medieval Badges

Interactive 3D Models

There are thousands of medieval badges in museum collections, but few people have the opportunity to see them up close. Detailed digital reproductions can be made with newly accessible technologies like digital 3D modeling and uploaded to free viewing platforms like Sketchfab.

The Digital Pilgrim Project (supported by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art) has made 3D models of twelve medieval pilgrim souvenirs and secular badges in the 680-strong collection at the British Museum, much of which was excavated from the River Thames. Interactive annotations help tell the badges' stories and the high quality of the scans allows the viewer to see every detail.