‘‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic’’ (British Library)
FROM history to fantasy, it’s a chance to step away from reality for a while and enter a world of magic. The British Library has made its “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” exhibition available online and it’s one that should appeal to adults and children alike. There is plenty to interest fans of the series, including the paintings of illustrator Jim Kay, bringing to life scenes and characters with quirky charm and an eye for the tiniest detail; however, many of the exhibits are fascinating, regardless of whether you’re familiar with the books.
Following the curriculum of author J.K. Rowling’s fictional boarding school, the exhibition is divided into the subjects that are taught to students in the books, including charms, astronomy, potions and divination, and artworks and artefacts from the British Library’s collections are available for digital perusal in each “class”.
In astronomy, you can find the oldestknown atlas of the night sky, a handdrawn paper scroll dated around AD700, showing more than 1300 stars visible in the northern skies. Open the door into alchemy, where you can view illuminated manuscripts and take a peek at the nearly 6mlong, 16thcentury Ripley Scroll, outlining the recipe for the elixir of life, the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. Herbology brings you the visual diary of 16thcentury naturalist Gherardo Cibo, notable for doing his own illustrations. Neatly organised and brimming with treasures, exhibits are supplemented with videos and explained succinctly, and it’s well worth the virtual journey.