UPDATED: The British Library Adds “Potter” Lectures and Quiz to Autumn Schedule
With the opening of the British Library Harry Potter exhibition just around the corner, a series of special lectures at the Library has been announced.
The Hogwarts Curriculum Lectures will see a range of topics discussed, including all our favorite Hogwarts subjects, from Potions to Herbology, History of Magic to Care of Magical Creatures. The lectures will relate to the Muggle world and explore many different topics from space to alchemy!
The lecture series begins on October 29 and will run on Sunday afternoons until February 2018. More details are available here.
Also part of the autumn program is a Harry Potter Quiz Night in association with Pottermore, which will take place on Friday, October 20, to coincide with the opening of the exhibition.
Could you pick Hermione’s wand out of a line-up? Join us and host Christopher Green, armed with questions from the experts at Pottermore, at our monthly quiz night. Test your knowledge of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, see how you fare against our Curator’s Curious Conundrum and win some brilliant prizes.
A bar and snacks will be available on the night. Teams can have a maximum of six members, and everyone needs a ticket. Arrive early to secure your favourite booth.
Finally in the new additions to the program is an evening with illustrators Jim Kay and Olivia Lomenech Gill. The duo will discuss their illustrations for the illustrated editions and their different approaches. The event will take place on Friday, November 17 and should be a fascinating evening – especially for those keen to know more about the beautiful illustrations in both the illustrated Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts books!
For those budding illustrators out there, a special six-week course called Picturing Magic will be running at the library, beginning on October 21. The course will run over a series of Saturdays, and students will work with illustrator Sion Ap Tomos.
You’ll learn the fundamentals of good illustration and how best to bring your ideas to life on paper before binding your artwork in a compendium.
Each week we’ll focus on different materials and techniques, introducing you to a wide range of tools and methods employed by professional illustrators. Throughout the course we’ll take inspiration from themes of magic and folklore represented in the exhibition – including magical plants, creatures, potions, alchemy and objects – as well as from illustrators past and present who work in the fantasy genre. You’ll be taken on an exclusive tour of the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition by the curators and hear from guest specialists who’ll introduce key skills and illustration techniques.
Booking for all events opens on September 8, with booking already available for members. All events will take place at the British Library.
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UPDATE 9/7/17
Further events have been added to the line up for the coming autumn, including an event with the chief curator of the exhibition, Julian Harrison, several events looking at the history of witchcraft including women’s roles, magical items, and witches and wizards in literature – as well as many more. Plus, there’s the chance to gain entry to the exhibition after hours with Pottermore and take part in some fun Potter themed activities! And, if you’re a fan of Cursed Child, there’s a chance to hear Noma Dumezweni in conversation!
Check the full line up of events here.
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Are you hoping to attend any of the special lectures or events? Let us know, and hopefully, we might see you there!
