The Museum of Writing

London University has recently acquired the artifacts of the Museum of Writing. Last night I attended a reception to mark the occasion. The intention is to make them publicly available via a 'virtual' museum, though as there are 15,000 items that may take a little time.

The museum covers the entire history of written communication, from ancient cuneiform clay tablets onwards. And what an astonishing history that has been, ranging through papyrus, parchment (animal skin), wax tablets, birch bark, paper and more recently electronic media. Writing implements have included wooden wedges, metal styli, pencils, dip pens, fountain pens, and biros to name a few. Browsing through that lot should be a treat.

The Libre Livre blog will give details of how to access the museum once it is up and running.