Harry Potter exhibition opens
A Harry Potter-themed exhibition celebrating the origins and history of magic is set to open at Leeds Central Library this Sunday.
Inspired by the British Library’s ‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic’ exhibit, the event will feature images of books, manuscripts and magical objects currently on view in the British Library’s own exhibition, and images of material from author J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury’s own collections.
Visitors will be able to as part of 20th anniversary celebrations marking the publication of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, delve into divination, ponder the peculiarities of potions and discover more about the creatures and traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the popular stories.
Families will also be able to join in a Harry Potter Trail of the exhibition and face challenges along the way as they delve further into the real life myths and legends behind some of the magical elements in the popular stories.
As part of the exhibition, Leeds and Yorkshire’s own connections to magic and folklore will also be explored.
This includes taking a closer look at Mother Shipton, who born in Yorkshire in 1488, is one of England’s most famous prophetess.
Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said: “A whole generation has grown up with the Harry Potter books and been fascinated and inspired by the magical world created by JK Rowling. I am very excited therefore that Leeds Central Library is hosting this new exhibition, which will delve deeper into the some of the book’s inspirations, and also showcase the origins, history and local traditions of Leeds and Yorkshire.”
Roly Keating, chief executive of the British Library, said: “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.”
