Harry Potter: A History of Magic

Explore the wonders of the British Library exhibition

in collaboration with

“Because that's what Hermione does," said Ron, shrugging. "When in doubt, go to the library.”

– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

EXCLUSIVE Q&A

The Story of Harry Potter at The British Library

Lead Curator Julian Harrison on creating Harry Potter: A History of Magic

The amazing journey

The Journey of Harry Potter

From an idea at a train station to global success

Experience the magic

The Super Carlin Brothers meet The British Library's Julian Harrison

🔮Skills for a modern wizard: 4 lessons in Muggle Magic

Play video

Discover the artistry of Jim Kay

Meet the man illustrating the latest editions of Harry Potter books

INSPIRING STORIES

Jim Kay and the Art of Harry Potter

The illustrator discusses his work on the latest editions of the Harry Potter books

The history of magic 💫

From the Ripley Scroll to exploding cauldrons

MAGICAL HISTORIES

10 Strange Facts About The History of Magic

Julian Harrison, curator at the British Library explores the weird and the wonderful

MAGIC, DECODED

Exploring the Ripley Scroll

Working from Flamel's recipe, learn how to recreate the elixir of life

AMAZING COLLECTIONS

The Bewitching Collection of The Museum of Witchcraft & Magic

From broomsticks to crystal balls, it’s got it all

The wizarding world brought to life

Colourful portraits and scenes from Jim Kay

Buckbeak the Hippogriff

Professor Severus Snape

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy playing Quidditch

Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Aragog, Harry and Ron

Harry, the basilisk and Fawkes

Fawkes the Phoenix

Two studies of winged keys by Jim Kay, for The Philosopher’s Stone

Study of dragons’ eggs by Jim Kay, for The Philosopher’s Stone

Explore the details of Jim Kay's sketches

From Professor Lupin to Diagon Alley

Portrait of Professor Remus Lupin by Jim Kay, for The Prisoner of Azkaban

A Panorama Section of Diagon Alley

Study of gnomes by Jim Kay

Study of mandrakes by Jim Kay, for The Philosopher’s Stone

Diagon Alley

Study of potions bottles by Jim Kay

Drawing of a troll by Jim Kay

Study of the greenhouses by Jim Kay

A Panorama Section of Diagon Alley

How to study like a wizard

From Charms class to Alchemy – discover the history behind the magic classes at Hogwarts

Online Exhibit

Potions

A vital skill in witchcraft, also used to create remedies

Online Exhibit

Alchemy

Discover the true story of Nicolas Flamel

Online Exhibit

Herbology

The study of plants and plant lore

Online Exhibit

Charms

From charmed objects to love spells

Online Exhibit

Astronomy

The study of the night sky

Online Exhibit

Divination

The magical art of predicting the future

Online Exhibit

Defence Against the Dark Arts

How to use of magic as a shield against evil powers

Online Exhibit

Care of Magical Creatures

Magical creatures and fantastic (fictional) beasts

The early sketches and notes of J.K. Rowling

Handwritten first draft of Chapter 17 of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"

Magical creatures through the ages 🐉

And a few fantastic beasts

Bringing Harry Potter to children around the world

Editorial Feature

in collaboration with

“Because that's what Hermione does," said Ron, shrugging. "When in doubt, go to the library.”

– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The Story of Harry Potter at The British Library

Lead Curator Julian Harrison on creating Harry Potter: A History of Magic

The Journey of Harry Potter

From an idea at a train station to global success

Experience the magic

The Super Carlin Brothers meet The British Library's Julian Harrison

🔮Skills for a modern wizard: 4 lessons in Muggle Magic

Discover the artistry of Jim Kay

Meet the man illustrating the latest editions of Harry Potter books

Jim Kay and the Art of Harry Potter

The illustrator discusses his work on the latest editions of the Harry Potter books

The history of magic 💫

From the Ripley Scroll to exploding cauldrons

10 Strange Facts About The History of Magic

Julian Harrison, curator at the British Library explores the weird and the wonderful

Exploring the Ripley Scroll

Working from Flamel's recipe, learn how to recreate the elixir of life

The Bewitching Collection of The Museum of Witchcraft & Magic

From broomsticks to crystal balls, it’s got it all

The wizarding world brought to life

Colourful portraits and scenes from Jim Kay

Buckbeak the Hippogriff

Professor Severus Snape

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy playing Quidditch

Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Aragog, Harry and Ron

Harry, the basilisk and Fawkes

Fawkes the Phoenix

Two studies of winged keys by Jim Kay, for The Philosopher’s Stone

Study of dragons’ eggs by Jim Kay, for The Philosopher’s Stone

Explore the details of Jim Kay's sketches

From Professor Lupin to Diagon Alley

Portrait of Professor Remus Lupin by Jim Kay, for The Prisoner of Azkaban

A Panorama Section of Diagon Alley

A Panorama Section of Diagon Alley

Study of gnomes by Jim Kay

Study of mandrakes by Jim Kay, for The Philosopher’s Stone

Diagon Alley

Study of potions bottles by Jim Kay

Drawing of a troll by Jim Kay

Study of the greenhouses by Jim Kay

A Panorama Section of Diagon Alley

A Panorama Section of Diagon Alley

How to study like a wizard

From Charms class to Alchemy – discover the history behind the magic classes at Hogwarts

Potions

A vital skill in witchcraft, also used to create remedies

Alchemy

Discover the true story of Nicolas Flamel

Herbology

The study of plants and plant lore

Charms

From charmed objects to love spells

Astronomy

The study of the night sky

Divination

The magical art of predicting the future

Defence Against the Dark Arts

How to use of magic as a shield against evil powers

Care of Magical Creatures

Magical creatures and fantastic (fictional) beasts

The early sketches and notes of J.K. Rowling

From handwritten chapters to notes and edits

Sketch of Hogwarts

Synopsis of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"

Handwritten list of subject teachers and Hippogriff names

Handwritten first draft of Chapter 17 of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone"

Magical creatures through the ages 🐉

And a few fantastic beasts

Bringing Harry Potter to children around the world

The enduring magic of the “Harry Potter Effect” 20 years later

Bloomsbury Children’s Books publishing director, Rebecca McNally talks about the power the series still has

Are you a teacher or parent?

A downloadable lesson plan can be used by teachers in class or by students to work through at their own pace

Uncover more magic

Online Exhibits

Artworks and artifacts