AN EXHIBITION inspired by Harry Potter exploring the history of magic is set to be unveiled at Middlesbrough Central Library.
Displays will launch simultaneously in 20 public libraries across the UK in tandem with the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition at the British Library in London.
In Middlesbrough the exhibition will open on Friday, October 20, from 4pm with a free children’s magic show and a talk aimed at older fans.
The series of displays across the UK will include specially designed panels which are inspired by Harry Potter: A History of Magic, showing images of rare books, manuscripts and magical objects featured in the British Library’s exhibition , as well as images of material from J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury’s own collections.
Middlesbrough Central Library’s local connections to magic and folklore will also be showcased, and will include the stories of Peg Powler and The Lambton Worm as well as items from Dorman Museum’s collection.
Ruth Cull, Library Development Officer said: “We are thrilled to host such an interesting exhibition as we know many of our library users are big Harry Potter fans. We’ve got an exciting series of events lined up including a free launch event with a children’s magic show on 20th October at 4pm as well as talks aimed at older fans.”
The displays have been developed by the British Library in collaboration with public libraries through the Living Knowledge Network, an innovative partnership between the British Library and 22 major public libraries across the UK, and the National Library of Scotland and the National Library of Wales.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic celebrates the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, combining centuries-old British Library treasures with original material from Bloomsbury’s and J.K. Rowling’s own archives.
Based on the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this exhibition will showcase material from J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury’s own collections, going on display for the very first time.
Roly Keating, Chief Executive of the British Library said of the project: “We are delighted to be working with 20 different public libraries across the UK to share our exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic.
“The Living Knowledge Network is all about sharing resources, skills and ideas to make our intellectual heritage available to everyone and here we’ve championed what lies at the heart of the Harry Potter stories that resonates deeply with people across the country to achieve this.
“The roll-out truly encapsulates the convening power of bringing local and national treasures together through the partners.”
- The exhibition at Middlesbrough Central Library will run until Wednesday, February 28, 2018.