This week, the Wyrdo's continue their journey in Cornwall with a very special guest: Simon Costin, the director of the incredible Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Simon welcomes Craig and Andy into the museum's archive to discuss the institution's fascinating history, its core mission, and his own personal journey working with objects of power.
Simon reveals the museum was founded in 1951 by a former MI5 spy named Cecil Williamson. He explains how Cecil's goal of balancing sensationalist displays with genuine artefacts led to a clash with the well-known practitioner Gerald Gardner, who wanted to use the museum to promote his belief system of Wicca.
Simon discusses how the museum's mission has evolved from a "cabinet of curiosities" to a more academic and nuanced collection. He explains his belief that magical objects don't like to be categorised and his belief that some artefacts require regular "charging" or ritual practice to retain their energy—a unique aspect of curatorial work that began after the 2004 Boscastle floods. He shares that while he isn't unsettled by the objects, a Japanese blasting rod is something he avoids having pointed at him.
The conversation explores the nature of the uncanny and its connection to magic and belief. Simon shares his own paranormal experiences at his home and tells the story of a recurring spider's web that prevents the museum's security cameras from capturing any strange activity.
Simon discusses his separate, long-term project to establish the UK's first museum dedicated to seasonal customs and events—the Museum of British Folklore. He explains the challenges of creating a "bottom-up" museum where the knowledge comes from the people and the traditions are constantly evolving.
Stay Wyrd!
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Written by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy Stevens
Edited by Craig Brooks
Intro music by Leonell Cassio - The Paranormal Is Real (ft. Carrie)
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