Fantasy: Realms of Imagination – a journey into the British Library’s world of fantasy (event news).

Now then, my brave fellow fantasy enthusiasts… mark your calendars. A new exhibition, “Fantasy: Realms of Imagination“, is making its grand arrival at the British Library in London on 27th October 2023. If you’ve ever dreamed of delving deep into the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli or fancied a trip down the rabbit hole, now’s your chance.

This exhibit promises to take us on an adventure that charts the course of fantasy from fairy tales and folklore to the vast landscapes of Middle-earth and the mysterious depths of Pan’s Labyrinth. You’ll be swept away by the grandeur of epic visions, and find delight in the intricate details that bring these fantastical worlds to life.

In the midst of all this magic, there’s also an academic touch. The British Library seeks to highlight the genre’s storied past and show how fantasy’s oldest literary forms continue to inspire today’s authors. The passion this genre ignites in its fans is undeniable, and this exhibition pays homage to that fervor.

Now, let’s talk logistics. A head’s up for those watching their gold coins: tickets go for £16 for most days, with a range of concessions available. And for those feeling a bit spontaneous or generous, there are select “Pay What You Can” days where you decide the ticket price (with a minimum of £1). Just a little hint: these days might be packed, so it’s best to pre-book.

What’s more? This exhibition isn’t just a static showcase of artifacts. It’s accompanied by an array of events, including insightful talks by fantasy legends like Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman. These events aren’t just limited to those in London either – some will be streamed online for fans worldwide. From discussions on fairy lore to masterclasses in role play writing, there’s something for everyone.

Lastly, shoutout to the sponsors and advisors. Wayland Games, The B. H. Breslauer Fund of the American Trust, and others have made this experience possible. Also, big thanks to the advisory team which includes icons like Neil Gaiman and Terri Windling, ensuring that the exhibit truly captures the essence of fantasy.

So, fellow adventurers, gather your party and make your way to the British Library. The realms of fantasy await and who knows where your journey will lead…

For the full itinerary and to book tickets, check out bl.uk/events/fantasy-events

And here’s a little taster of some of their goodies on offer:

1. Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch: This is a session dedicated to the young witch from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. Susan Cooper and Natalie Haynes discuss her journey, her strength, and her influence in the realm of fantasy.
2. The Dark is Rising and Other Stories: Susan Cooper and Natalie Haynes in Conversation: Dive deep into Susan Cooper’s acclaimed series as she, alongside Natalie Haynes, unravels the threads of the story, and discuss its impact and legacy.
3. Fairy Tale Afterlives: Cinderella: A two-day deep-dive course into one of the world’s most famous fairy tales. Explore its origins, its various interpretations across cultures, and its impact on modern storytelling.
4. Fantasy Fiction Through the Ages: Journey through time in this six-week course to understand the evolution of fantasy fiction. From ancient myths to contemporary bestsellers, trace how the genre has transformed and impacted readers.
5. Black To The Future presents: Genre Marauders: This session explores Afrofuturism and its place within speculative fiction. It promises a rich exploration of how Black narratives and voices have shaped the future of the genre.
6. Late at the Library: Drexciyan Realms: A fascinating evening that dives into the mesmerizing and surreal world of Drexciya, blending music and visual art.
7. A New Coven: Witches in Contemporary Fiction: Explore how the image and role of witches have evolved in modern literature and what it signifies for readers today.
8. Journeys to the Land of Faerie… and Telling the Tale: Take a mystical journey into the lands of faerie tales, exploring their origins, meaning, and the art of narrating them.
9. Fairy Tale Afterlives: Beauty and the Beast: Dive into the enigmatic world of this classic tale, understanding its various renditions and its undying influence on the realm of fairy tales.
10. Tales of the Weird: A session that explores strange, uncanny, and eerie narratives from various cultures and eras.
11. Writing for Role Play Masterclass: Learn the craft of writing for role-playing games. Understand character creation, plot development, and setting the stage for memorable campaigns.
12. Why We Need Fantasy: Neil Gaiman in conversation: Join Neil Gaiman as he discusses the importance of fantasy in our lives, its impact on society, and his own journey in the genre.
13. The Worlds of Terry Pratchett: Neil Gaiman and Rob Wilkins: Celebrate the legacy of Terry Pratchett with two people who knew him well, discussing his contributions to literature and the world of Discworld.
14. An Evening with Philip Pullman: Engage with the acclaimed author as he discusses his works, inspirations, and the world of His Dark Materials.
15. All that Glitters: Decorative Capital Letters Masterclass: A hands-on workshop that teaches the intricate art of decorative lettering.
16. Fantasy Worlds: A Day of Talks – Day Pass: An immersive day of discussions around various facets of fantasy, including map-making, world-building, and individual author conversations.
17. Board Games Fest at the British Library: A fun day dedicated to board games, where enthusiasts can play, discuss, and celebrate the joy of gaming.
18. Fantasy Worlds: Various Talks: A series of discussions around different elements of fantasy, including visualization, world-building, and deep dives into specific authors and themes.

Each of these events promises a rich experience for fantasy enthusiasts, offering a blend of deep insights, engaging conversations, and hands-on experiences.