6ft Tall 350 Year Old Book Goes on Display in London

The Klencke Atlas which is in the British Library collection is to be incorporated in a new exhibition of maps. It is the first time the book which was given to Charles II on his restoration (and placed in his cabinet of curiosities), has been displayed with the pages visible. Read the Guardian article here.

New Poe Portrait Unveiled

A new portrait of Edgar Allan Poe has been revealed in Baltimore in conjunction with the 201st anniversary of the author's birth. The portait looks only vaguely like the dark portraits known to us, but is said to represent how many saw him at the time. It is to go up for auction in June at Cowan's in Cincinnati for between $30,000 - $50,000 US. Read article here.

A History of the World in 100 objects

" A History of the World in 100 Objects is a new British Museum and BBC Radio 4 series, broadcast in 2010. Each 15-minute programme is presented by the Museum’s Director, Neil MacGregor, and focuses on a particular period in world history through a specific object"
Listen online and explore the website here.

A British Museum/BBC partnership

Spectacular Vintage Snowflake Photographs by Snowflake Bentley

In the late 19th Century Wilson A Bentley discovered a way of capturing a single snowflake on film. See the brilliant slideshow here. Read about 'Snowflake Bentley' and his obsession on the Guardian online.

Greetings For 2010

Important American Silver Punch Bowl Sells for 5.9 Million US

This 18th century sterling silver bowl sold at Sotheby's New York for a record $5.9 million. Made by CORNELIUS KIERSTEDE between 1700-1710 it weighs over 2 kilos. Estimated at $400,000-$800,000 it has set a record price for American silver.
Read the saleroom report by ArtDaily.org.