Mastering the art of shadowgraphy

We're turning a new page on the World of the Book exhibition, and in anticipation of an exciting new display Librarian Dominique Dunstan wants to introduce you to the charming art of shadowgraphy.

Shadowgraphy is the art of making shapes or shadows and using them to tell a story, often performed using your hands in a dynamic and expressive way. Our upcoming exhibition World of the Book 2023 will explore shadowgraphy through books and shadow puppets from the 1800s to the modern day.

In this video, Dominique explores the art form's long history and the influence of some of the practice's great luminaries, including Félicien Trewey, Louis Nikola and Henry Bursill, whose work can be found within the Library's Collection.

Plus, Dominique shares some tips of her own for becoming a master shadowgrapher - all you need is a sharp light, a screen and hands to practice with!

The reimagined World of the Book opens on 1 April 2023 on level 4 of the Dome Galleries. 

More to explore

• Discover the magic of blow books in Dominique's episode of Treasures of the Library
• Explore the weird and wonderful with the WG Alma Conjuring Collection
• View items related to shadowgraphy in the catalogue