The Story of the World in 100 Objects

The Story of the World in 100 Objects is a project initiated by the British Museum in collaboration with BBC Radio 4, showcasing a curated selection of 100 objects from the museum's vast collection to narrate the History of the world. This ambitious endeavor was led by Neil MacGregor, the then-director of the British Museum, in partnership with BBC producers like Paul Kobrak and Tim Plyming. The project drew inspiration from similar exhibitions and collections, such as the Louvre's Denon Wing and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.

Introduction

The concept of telling the story of human history through objects is not new, as seen in exhibitions like the Tutankhamun exhibition at the British Museum and the Treasures of the Sutton Hoo at the National Trust. However, the scale and scope of The Story of the World in 100 Objects were unprecedented, covering a timeline from the Rosetta Stone to the Credit card. The project involved collaborations with various institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, London, and the Pitt Rivers Museum. Experts like Jared Diamond and Niall Ferguson contributed to the narrative, drawing parallels with historical events like the Battle of Gaugamela and the Treaty of Versailles.

Concept and Creation

The idea of The Story of the World in 100 Objects was born out of a conversation between Neil MacGregor and Rupert Gavin, the then-chief executive of the BBC. The project's creation involved a team of curators, producers, and historians, including Philippe de Montebello from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Glenn Lowry from the Museum of Modern Art. The selection of objects was a meticulous process, with considerations of historical significance, cultural relevance, and aesthetic appeal, as seen in the Lewis Chessmen and the Lion Man of Hohlenstein-Stadel. The project also drew inspiration from the works of historians like Eric Hobsbawm and Simon Schama, who have written extensively on topics like the French Revolution and the Dutch Golden Age.

The 100 Objects

The 100 objects selected for the project span a wide range of cultures and time periods, from the Ancient Egyptian Mummy of Gebelein to the Contemporary art of Anish Kapoor. Other notable objects include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the First Folio of William Shakespeare's plays. The objects were chosen for their ability to tell a story about human history, whether it be the Renaissance art of Leonardo da Vinci or the Industrial Revolution's impact on Society. The project also featured objects from lesser-known cultures, such as the Benin Bronzes and the Lycurgus Cup, highlighting the diversity and complexity of human history, as seen in the Mongol Empire and the Byzantine Empire.

Exhibition and Tour

The The Story of the World in 100 Objects exhibition was first displayed at the British Museum in 2010, featuring all 100 objects in a specially designed gallery. The exhibition was accompanied by a BBC Radio 4 series, with 100 episodes, each focusing on one object, and featuring experts like Mary Beard and David Attenborough. The exhibition later toured to other museums, including the National Museum of Australia and the Cleveland Museum of Art, reaching a global audience and sparking conversations about the History of humanity, as seen in the works of Joseph Campbell and Arnold J. Toynbee. The project also collaborated with institutions like the Google Cultural Institute and the Wikimedia Foundation to create digital content and make the objects accessible online.

Impact and Legacy

The impact of The Story of the World in 100 Objects has been significant, with the project reaching a wide audience and inspiring new ways of thinking about human history, as seen in the works of Yuval Noah Harari and Steven Pinker. The project has also led to the creation of similar exhibitions and initiatives, such as the Google Arts & Culture platform and the Digital Public Library of America. The project's legacy can be seen in the continued collaboration between museums and media organizations, such as the BBC and the PBS, to create engaging and informative content about human history, as seen in documentaries like The Ascent of Money and The Story of Human Language. The project has also inspired a new generation of historians and curators, including Helen Castor and Tristram Hunt, who are working to create innovative and accessible exhibitions and programs.

List of Objects

The list of 100 objects includes a wide range of artifacts, from the Worcester Sauce bottle to the Throne of Weapons. Other notable objects include the Warrior Vase, the Hoxne Hoard, and the Sutton Hoo helmet. The objects are a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, as seen in the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The list of objects also highlights the diversity and complexity of human history, with objects from cultures like the Inca Empire and the Ming dynasty. The project's website and digital platforms provide a comprehensive list of all 100 objects, along with detailed descriptions and images, making it a valuable resource for historians, curators, and the general public, as seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History and the British Museum's Collection online. Category:Art exhibitions