Yesterday, we enjoyed a visit up to Boscastle for the Museum of Witchcraft’s 60th anniversary celebration and book launch. It was wonderful to meet up with old friends in a gathering to celebrate such an extraordinary place that has been, and continues to be, so special, vital, inspiring, and influential to so many of us. One feeling expressed was how the museum itself is an entity; a feeling certainly shared by those present. It is not surprising of course that a repository for the physical manifestations of so many countless peoples’ magic should be seen to have a life of its own. Certainly, those who know and love the museum may often be heard speaking of the museum as an old friend – a kind of collective friend made up of the individual old familiar friends in the form of artefacts and museum staff both.
Having my copy of the museum’s book with me, it was wonderful to have it signed by some of the contributors, making my treasured keepsake of such a wonderful place (which also happens to be a fascinating read) all the more special. I hadn’t anticipated others asking me to sign their copies – I felt a little awkward desecrating such a beautiful book with my extremely untidy scrawl of a signature!
Copies of the book ‘The Museum of Witchcraft – A Magical History’ can be purchased here
Above is a photo from the day by Jane Cox of museum owner and curator Graham King giving a speech outside the museum. More photos from the celebration can be viewed here
I’m so happy that the place feels so full of goodness. I never thought the less of a place so special though, and the people that make this possible, and close contributors seem impregnated by this kindness too…
It’s great news everywhere, a BIG Congrats for all of you who make this possible! And thank you so much, Gemma, for letting us know