Magic Worlds

1 October 2011 - 4 March 2012

Wood Elves or Elves Watching a Lady, Richard Doyle, England (1850-80) Museum no. 1207-1886 (click image for larger version)

A major exhibition at the Museum delving into the realms of fantasy and enchantment, showing how magic has been embraced all over the world for thousands of years. Magicians were and are held in high regard, some as excellent entertainers and some as higher beings. From the Indian rope trick to David Blaine's modern take on illusion, adults and children alike have always been in awe of magic and its practitioners.

Magic Worlds explores the history and origins of magic and looks at how themes of magic have influenced many artists and writers. The exhibition also features magic costumes and identities, tricks and illusions, childhood tales of fantasy and the imagination, film props and merchandise, optical toys, magic lanterns and games based around magic, beautiful ceramics, illustrative books and artworks, interactives and hands-on activities.