New exhibition tells story of London's beasts

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The Museum of London opened an exhibition called "Beasts of London" Friday to tell the city's story from the perspective of an animal.

Inspired by objects drawn from the museum's world-class collection and working in partnership with Guildhall School of Music and Drama, this family-friendly show takes visitors on a journey through time, from before London was created through to the present day.

The immersive and digital experience was made up of nine episodes, bringing visitors face to face with the beasts both large and small who helped shape the city we know today.

Starting in prehistory with the very first of London's beasts, visitors are then guided through the arrival of the Romans. Then comes the Medieval Age when the first menageries were built in the city and then through the disastrous years of the Great Plague of the 1600s.

A file photo taken between 1894 and 1931 shows the Tower Bridge viewed from the River Thames in London. /VCG Photo

From there you find yourself carried into a rowdy Victorian tavern, centering underneath a bustling big top at the Circus and then standing side by side a group of noble horses from across the ages.

Finally, you arrive back in the 21st century to explore people's relationship with the city's animals today.

The animals throughout the experience are voiced by well-known names such as Kate Moss and Brian Blessed.

Francis Marshall, senior curator of the museum, said, "'Beasts of London' is the first fully-immersive show presented by the Museum of London. It is a journey that is surprising, creative, visually striking, emotionally affecting and encourages visitors to look at the animals of London in a new way and to consider our city from a very different perspective. "

"It is a product of intensive research and boundless imagination from our team in partnership with Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is sure to appeal to audience members of all ages."

(Cover: A photo shows visitors look at the exhibits in Expanding City Gallery, Museum of London, London, England, UK. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency