It makes a lot of bold claims about the use of wands in magic in the sixteenth century, which as far as I can tell have no source. The wands are short things, Harry Potter-esque, which as far as I can tell weren't used in magic at all back then.

I wish an actual historian of witchcraft and indeed cunning folk had been properly consulted because the narrative on witchcraft provided by the exhibition is essentially "the alleged witches were mostly folk healers"

This has unfortunately also happened at an Elizabethan magic exhibition taking place at my own workplace. It has totally dispensed with any nuance in favour of old myths

The lacemaker, c. 1665
Bernhard Kiel

(Met Museum)

St Margaret of Antioch
c. 1475
French, amazing alabaster work.

(Met Museum)

Having been swallowed by the devil in the guise of a dragon, she burst unharmed from its body after making the sign of the cross.

Girl reading by candlelight while leaning on a table

Guido Reni, undated
(b. 4 Nov 1575 - d. 18 Aug 1642 Bologna)

Albertina, Vienna

Academic historians rarely speak up like this but have made an exception in speaking in support of trans people in the UK and against the current trans exclusionary situation over there.

Not just a few historians but hundreds signed this.

www.thepinknews.com/2025/05/02/h...