And now for something a little different.
A couple of years back I was down in London visiting some friends, and paid my customary visit to a place I love…the amazing British Museum.
As museums go, it’s one of the world’s best in my opinion (thanks to the pilfering of the reprehensible Lord Elgin et al, tut tut). But not only is it filled with wonderful artifacts from around the globe, and housed in a spectacular example of modern architecture, but the area around Russel Street is a fascinating place to take a stroll and grab a beer or three, and not necessarily in that order. So I did. But for a change I took all my photos in negative. Don’t ask me why…I don’t know. I wandered about casually, covertly snapping oblivious people as they posed unwittingly for my shots. Sorry, fellow museum goers!!
But they came out pretty cool, right?
Enjoy.
All images by the Nomad.
For directions to the British Museum, click HERE
Twenty First Century Nomad 
I love the British Museum as well Steve. And to truly appreciate the collection while visiting, I have to disregard what rationalizing thieves the Brits were. In fact, the only other group that trumped them were the Nazis. Berlin has wonderful museums as well, and most of the artifacts was ripped off. It’s a topic that curators don’t bring up at cocktail parties. ~James
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Yes, the repatriation movement is happening slowly, but too slowly, and the Elgin Marbles are perhaps the most high profile. Athens has a beautiful custom built museum ready and waiting with only the bits from the BM still missing. Not sure what the BM or British Govt. is waiting for…just give them back already and say sorry. The excuse is usually that the countries where things get returned won’t look after them and they’ll end up being sold off again. Not the case with the marbles, I’m afraid, and no excuses.
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Super trippy… interesting idea! Camera settings are too fun not to play around with…
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I do have some sympathy with the argument that historical conservation is something the British were leading the world in at the same time they were leading the world in pilfering and lining their pockets. There was plenty of academic and intellectual interest in the artefacts collected, rather than pure greed being the only motivation. This was at a time when conservation wasn’t a universal thing, and a lot of the things certain countries want back now would never have been saved in the first place if it wasn’t for Britain. Not saying that’s an argument for keeping everything, but a consideration! Great place, and great article as always.
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That’s a great point John, and there are always two sides to every story. It’s true that if we weren’t pilfering some of these objects they may not have survived to this day. However, the time has come for Britain to show we are conscientious and return many of them to where they belong, especially the Elgin Marbles. No more excuses. I do love the BM…this trip was the same one where I visited you, Lizzie and Muzza in London. Happy days.
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