One of the finest star atlases from the 1600s will go on display at a stately home in Norfolk following months of conservation work.
The atlas is from the Golden Age of Dutch map-making and will be showcased for the first time at the National Trust’s Blickling Estate near Aylsham.
Only about 20 copies of the atlas, published in 1661, are thought to survive worldwide.
Harmonia Macrocosmica was created by German-born author Andreas Cellarius, and describes the movement of the stars, charts the constellations of the northern hemisphere and explores the known planetary models of the time.
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A conservation expert spent three months restoring the masterpiece's 29 hand-coloured plates.
Blickling librarian, Rebecca Feakes, said: “Some of the ideas in the book seem strange to us now, but the stunning illustrations leave no doubt that Cellarius and his contemporaries were just as awestruck by the night sky as we are today.
“This large folio was meant to be displayed and celebrated for its size and opulence. Owning it told the world about your status and intelligence.
"The gold-tooled bindings and hand-coloured plates are spectacular; it is the height of the copper engraver’s skill.”
Now the artifact has inspired Blickling Hall's Christmas experience - Journey Through the Stars.
With the Star Atlas on display in Blickling’s Upper Ante, a star-inspired route will take visitors through the house, including the ground floor, basement kitchen and some of the first-floor showrooms.
The exhibition will take place from November 30 until January 5 with the house opening from 11am until 2.30pm.
The shop and second-hand bookshop will be open for Christmas shopping and seasonal food, festive treats and warming drinks will be available in the Stables and Muddy Boots cafés.
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