The British Library's new exhibition will explore the extraordinary history behind one of mankind's greatest achievements: how we write.
The 100 objects on display will span 5,000 years of human history across five different continents, from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and the written words of some of history's greatest minds, right up to the most advanced digital communication tools we use today.
Highlights include James Joyce's annotated copy of Ulysses, some of Mozart's handwritten scripts, some gold-laden Japanese calligraphy, and Alexander Fleming's scientific notebook. Each of these written records carries the history of writing in their every stroke.
The exhibition will also explore the future of writing, and asks whether we'll abandon pens to keyboards and voice messaging. You will also be encouraged to leave us a few final words of your own.
Craig’s review of British Library – “The British Library is a construction of such monumental ugliness that it's worth seeing simply for that. Come and see the ugliest building in London! It's as if they've tipped a billion bricks into a pile and now they're waiting for the builders to start putting it all together. Only they won't. Because it's finished. This is it. Now it just sits on the side of the E… continued”
The New Londoners — British Library – 22 Mar to 7 Jul 2019 – An exhibition of photographs by Chris Steele-Perkins, who has captured families living in their London homes.
My Teenage Diary — Jan Ravens & Rufus Hound – 28 Mar 2019 – Rufus Hound will asking impressionist Jan Ravens to dust off her teenage diary and read extracts of it out in public.
Imaginary Cities — British Library – 5 Apr &38211; 14 Jul 2019 – A small exhibition that uses digital technology to transform the library's collection of historic maps to create fictional cityscapes
British Museum — Lost Kingdoms Sleepover – 16, 17 Mar, 13 and 14 Apr 2019 – Treat your kids to a sleepover at the British Museum where they'll learn about lost kingdoms in Africa, Asia and South America
London Festival of Railway Modelling – 23 to 24 Mar 2019 – The London Festival of Railway Modelling will have over 40 working layouts and 120 exhibitors selling paint and trains.
Mary Quant — Victoria & Albert Museum – 6 Apr 2019 to 16 Feb 2020 – An exhibition of dresses by the iconic fashion designer Mary Quant who became synonymous with the Swinging Sixties
Easter egg trail at the Bank of England Museum – 8 to 18 Apr 2019 – Your kids can win a little prize if they manage to complete the easter egg trail at the Bank of England Museum.
You might like too try these other literary events in London
Look for more museum exhibitions in April
If you enjoy British Library then you might like to visit Charles Dickens Museum (walk it in 14 mins or catch the tube from Kings Cross St Pancras to Russell Square), Dr. Johnson’s House (walk it in 28 mins or catch the tube from Kings Cross St Pancras to Temple), Globe Theatre (catch the train from Kings Cross St Pancras to Southwark), Keats’ House (catch the train from Kings Cross St Pancras to Hampstead) and Sherlock Holmes Museum (walk it in 30 mins or catch the tube from Kings Cross St Pancras to Baker Street)
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