Wednesday 2 May 2018

British Library - May at the Library

This month get closer to the treasures that make us unique: watch Marcus Wareing discover delectable delights in our food collection, hear oral histories of Stephen Hawking, or navigate the art, science and journals of James Cook’s voyages.
Our news
Explore the legacies of Cook’s voyages

James Cook's expeditions had far-reaching consequences for the people of the lands they touched. On our new website, hear from people across the Pacific and reflect on the controversial legacies of the voyages. Follow the expeditions through our digitised collection items, including Cook's handwritten journal, then see them in person at our James Cook: The Voyagesexhibition, now open.
Start your journey >
Karl and Eleanor Marx in the British Library

Did you know Karl Marx researched Das Kapital in the Reading Rooms of the British Library (then part of the British Museum)? To mark the 200th anniversary of his birth, our new Treasures Gallery display revisits the links between him, his daughter Eleanor and the Library.
Visit us >
Latest stories
Remembering Stephen Hawking
Many remember Hawking as an author and academic who changed our understanding of the universe. Recorded for our National Life Stories series, hear charming teenage memories of Hawking in this interview with childhood friend Nicholas Humphrey.

Hear more >
May the Fourth Be With You
This Star Wars Day, uncover Yoda-like creatures in a galaxy not so far away. Over the years, they have been spotted in many manuscripts, from romances written for the Yorkshire gentry to a book of hours belonging to Emperor Charles V. More in our blog you will find.

Read more >
Giving New Life to Fragile Objects
See fragile treasures from our collection in a new light: explore the results of a recent three-dimensional modelling pilot and get up close to a mini terracotta trooper. Our Head of Visual Arts tells us more about the project.

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Jane Eyre: A Hit in Shanghai
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre(known in China as Jian Ai) may just be more popular among Chinese readers than she is in her native land. Read the latest on our exhibition, Where Great Writers Gather: Treasures of the British Library, currently on display at Shanghai Library.

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Sketchpads at the ready

Learn how to draw architecture and space in our latest course inspired by the evolving architectural landscape that surrounds us. Take inspiration from our St Pancras building, designed by renowned architect Sir Colin St John Wilson, and consider ways to depict people in their surroundings.
Book your class >
Live birds and frogs in a pie

Watch chef Marcus Wareing and curator Polly Russell as they uncover an unusual example of food as entertainment. Or unleash your inner gourmet with our Food Season menu of events.
Whet your appetite >
Uncovering new sides to great Treasures

Smartify is changing the way people engage with art and objects in museums and galleries. A free digital guide, it grew out of four friends’ enjoyment of visiting museums and encountering art. Smartify’s founder tells us how they went from start-up to success with the help of our Innovating for Growth programme.
Read the interview >
Gift ideas from our Shop
White Rabbit Decoration
White RabbitDecoration
£10.99
Buy now >
Maps and the 20th Century Exhibition Book
Maps and the 20th CenturyExhibition Book
£25.00
Buy now >
William Shakespeare Candle
William ShakespeareCandle
£10.50
Buy now >
British Library Souvenir Guide
British LibrarySouvenir Guide
£10.00
Buy now >
Browse the range >