Melbourne Writers Festival - Molly Oldfield: Secret Museum

Molly Oldfield, affectionately referred to as QI's Original Elf, has worked as a writer and researcher for the BBC show QI since its inception in 2002. As she casually name drops 'Stephen' and 'Alan' you can't help but be jealous of what must be one of the coolest jobs in the world. With a degree in Modern History from Oxford University, the aptly named Oldfield's in depth knowledge and passion for the quirky and bizarre has taken her on an incredible, cross-continental, two year project. A journey, explored in conversation with David Astle - the word wiz from Letters and Numbers - and shared with their audience at the Melbourne Writers Festival.

Delving into the archives of some of the world's largest and most interesting museums, Oldfield discovers that what is normally on display is usually only 5% of the museums actual collection. Guided by experts in their specific fields and curators of these museums, Molly has acquired a collection herself, a collection of the world's treasures; while once hidden in storage units and protective casings, these items are brought to life to be marvelled at in her debut book The Secret Museum.

Opening the book feels as though you are indeed opening a treasure chest, or a cabinet of artefacts that have been forgotten in the passing of time, as unfortunately, many things are. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations the book delves into the most peculiar of collections, including Vladimir Nabokov's Butterfly Genitalia Cabinet, the tools that belonged to Queen Victoria's Dentist and Van Gough's sketch books that have never been exhibited due to their fragility.   

It is ultimately a book that encourages adventure and discovery, it is truly exciting and difficult to put down, like the feeling you get when you are reading a Tin-Tin book or Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days. If you get a chance we recommend picking up your own copy and allowing yourself to be transported into the secret collections of the worlds museums and galleries. We also encourage you to attend the Melbourne Writers Festival yourself over the next two weeks and see some amazing authors in conversation. 

-A&M

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