Captain Cook sails again in a stunning British Library exhibition
OPENING tomorrow the exhibition tells the story of James Cook’s three world-changing voyages. marking 250 years since James Cook’s ship Endeavour set sail from Plymouth.
James Cook: The Voyages opens at the British Library
The British Library exhibition takes the public around the world
The exhibition chronicles his voyages through original documents including the first chart of New Zealand by James Cook, allowing visitors to follow the course of his voyages, from the perspective of those on board the ships to those who saw them arrive on their shores, and consider their legacy and relevance today.
From iconic depictions of people and landscapes by artists Sydney Parkinson, John Webber and William Hodges to an evocative collection of drawings by Polynesian high priest and navigator Tupaia, which are going on display together for the first time, James Cook: The Voyages will take visitors on a journey of discovery from the Pacific Ocean to the Antarctic.
The exhibition marks 250 years since James Cook sailed from Plymouth
Other highlights include James Cook’s handwritten journal entry describing the first crossing of the Antarctic Circle, specimens from the first voyage, the first illustrations of Antarctic and Hawaii, the first European drawing of a kangaroo as well as artefacts such as jewellery and musical instruments discovered on the voyages.
The exhibition will chart Cook’s three voyages, from the Endeavour setting sale from Plymouth in 1768 to the Resolution and Discovery returning to Britain in 1780 after Cook’s death in Hawaii.
• James Cook: The Voyages runs from April 27 until August 28.