The British Museum


Book Description

The British Museum is the oldest publicly funded museum in the world. This volume tells the story of the collections, the buildings that house them, and the people who have administered and curated them since its foundation in 1753.




The Parthenon Sculptures


Book Description

The Parthenon sculptures in the British Museum are unrivaled examples of classical Greek art, an inspiration to artists and writers since their creation in the fifth century bce. A superb visual introduction to these wonders of antiquity, this book offers a photographic tour of the most famous of the surviving sculptures from ancient Greece, viewed within their cultural and art-historical context. Ian Jenkins offers an account of the history of the Parthenon and its architectural refinements. He introduces the sculptures as architecture--pediments, metopes, Ionic frieze--and provides an overview of their subject matter and possible meaning for the people of ancient Athens. Accompanying photographs focus on the pediment sculptures that filled the triangular gables at each end of the temple; the metopes that crowned the architrave surmounting the outer columns; and the frieze that ran around the four sides of the building, inside the colonnade. Comparative images, showing the sculptures in full and fine detail, bring out particular features of design and help to contrast Greek ideas with those of other cultures. The book further reflects on how, over 2,500 years, the cultural identity of the Parthenon sculptures has changed. In particular, Jenkins expands on the irony of our intimate knowledge and appreciation of the sculptures--a relationship far more intense than that experienced by their ancient, intended spectators--as they have been transformed from architectural ornaments into objects of art.







British Museum (Natural History) General Guide


Book Description

Embark on a fascinating journey through the wonders of the natural world with the "British Museum (Natural History) General Guide," compiled by various experts. Join a diverse array of scholars and scientists as they lead you on a captivating exploration of the museum's extensive collections and exhibits. But what if the museum's treasures hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of life on Earth? Prepare to be awestruck as you delve into the realms of botany, zoology, paleontology, and beyond, guided by the expertise of leading authorities in their fields. Follow along as the guide provides insights into the museum's most iconic specimens, from towering dinosaur skeletons to delicate botanical specimens. "British Museum (Natural History) General Guide" is a comprehensive overview of the museum's vast holdings, offering something for every curious mind. Yet, amidst the marvels of the natural world, a fundamental question emerges: What can we learn from the past to inform our understanding of the present and shape the future? Prepare to ponder this question as you explore the museum's exhibits and contemplate the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment? Prepare to be inspired by the wonders of nature and the wealth of knowledge contained within the "British Museum (Natural History) General Guide." Immerse yourself in the beauty and complexity of the natural world as you navigate through the museum's galleries and exhibitions. "British Museum (Natural History) General Guide" is more than just a book; it's a gateway to a deeper understanding of our planet and its inhabitants. Don't miss your chance to explore the treasures of the natural world. Order your copy of the "British Museum (Natural History) General Guide" today and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Prepare to be amazed by the diversity and wonder of life on Earth. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the natural world within the walls of the British Museum?







The Brutish Museums


Book Description

Walk into any European museum today and you will see the curated spoils of Empire. They sit behind plate glass: dignified, tastefully lit. Accompanying pieces of card offer a name, date and place of origin. They do not mention that the objectsare all stolen. Few artefacts embody this history of rapacious and extractive colonialism better than the Benin Bronzes - a collection of thousands of brass plaques and carved ivory tusks depicting the history of the Royal Court of the Obas of BeninCity, Nigeria. Pillaged during a British naval attack in 1897, the loot was passed on to Queen Victoria, the British Museum and countless private collections. The story of the Benin Bronzes sits at the heart of a heated debate about cultural restitution, repatriation and the decolonisation of museums. In The Brutish Museums, Dan Hicks makes a powerful case for the urgent return of such objects, as part of a wider project of addressing the outstanding debt of colonialism.







The Natural History Museum Book of Dinosaurs


Book Description

Unlike an encyclopedia, a data book or even a learned exposition, this book is designed to be read from start to finish as the developing story of a remarkable group of animals. It is an ideal introduction to dinosaurs for dinosaur fans and general readers alike.







Regarding the Dead


Book Description

A key publication on the British Museum's approach to the ethical issues surrounding the inclusion of human remains in museum collections and possible solutions to the dilemmas relating to their curation, storage, access management and display.