From the magazine Olivia Potts

The story of food in glorious technicolour

Jenny Linford explores the global history of cooking and eating through specific items from the British Museum spanning recorded history

Olivia Potts Olivia Potts
Elizabethan gilded trencher, c.1600. © Trustees of the British Museum
EXPLORE THE ISSUE 26 April 2025
issue 26 April 2025

Have you ever suffered from museum blindness? A complete overwhelm at the sheer amount of stuff – often quite similar stuff – that prevents you from focusing on any one item? I know I have. Two-thirds of the way around a museum, even one I have true enthusiasm for, I find my eyes sliding off exhibits, reading the captions but not taking anything in.

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