The British library- not a place I expected to thoroughly enjoy. Actually everyone looked at me like I was kind of crazy when I mentioned I was going, but it was a recommendation in the Lonely Planet's guide to London so I decided to check it out.
I expected the building to be old but on the contrary it was very modern, inside though is a different story.
The space is rather large with an impressive staircase at the entrance which highlights the age of the space. As I wasn't there to read books as such I skipped most of the library section and went straight to the main exhibition.
'Treasures of the British Library' was full of sacred texts, historical, scientific, literal and musical pieces of history.
I was blown away with the Magna Carta, it’s so strange to stand in front of a piece of history that is so old! I think what continues to amaze me is how well kept pieces from history are around the world. Whether its art, buildings and even everyday items such as spoons and hair brushes- the novelty will never wear off!
It was phenomenal to see the original pieces of paper that the Beatles wrote their famous lyrics on, scrap pieces of paper is a better description, I guess this fits with the rock star image of constantly being on the go and having to scribble an idea at a moment’s notice.
It was fantastic to see some of the oldest bibles in existence, it reinforces how special religion has been in every form across the world throughout time.
The exhibition also features Leonardo notebooks and Shakespeare's First Folio.
A the moment they are running a special feature on the Alice in Wonderland text to coincide with the movie. These pieces provided an interesting insight into the inspiration and development of this well loved children's story and it was actually quite fascinating.
Once I had seen the Treasures I wandered through the History of stamps throughout the world, which was actually pretty cool. I will admit that I mostly looked at the first known stamps from my country which made me smile with pride.
If you have any interest in History and have a free lazy Sunday I would definitely recommend you visit the library.
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