A Glimpse into the ‘Wizarding World’

Now, I don’t know about you, but I am a huge fan of the world of Harry Potter, and everything that J. K. Rowling has created. The Potter World has so many different branches to it now, yet at the root of it all, is a story that lives beyond the pages of the books.

While I will always love the books first, I came round to the films (having shied away from them at first for a couple of reasons: 1, fear, and 2, I was reluctant to lose the world I’d created in my own mind). What made the films more special, was the chance to visit the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Leavesden, and see how the films were made, and all the different props.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 3 times, although it’s been 3 years since my last visit, and I have to admit, looking through all these photos makes me determined to go back and visit again.

I thought I’d share a little snapshot of the wizarding world, as on display at the Studio Tour, to perhaps entice you to visit, or just allow you to revel in the magic with me!

---

‘The Letters from No-One’

Anyone else slightly saddened to never receive their Hogwarts letter?

Journey from Platform 9 & 3/4…

The Hogwarts Express was the ‘latest’ addition on my last visit, and it was a truly a magnificent sight.

Welcome to Hogwarts!

A Night at the Yule Ball

Although I don’t remember the invitations ever featuring in the films, they were beautiful, and I completely adore the design!

Props and more…

Educational Decrees, Snitches and Skele-grow! The props and details on display just show all the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of the well-loved films.

Graphics, Typography and all things Design

These may be small, but they were important parts of the films – and well worth keeping your eyes-peeled for the odd bits and pieces around the studio tour. They’re definitely some of my favourite bits and pieces, and I loved how so much of it was hand-made.

This Way to the Ministry of Magic

Fancy an opportunity to walk through the atrium of the Ministry of Magic and peer into Umbridge’s office? Yes..? Then you really need to visit the Studio Tour!

Taking a walk outside..?

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you emerge into the Backlot, and find even more cool and exciting displays.

Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes

I’d love to be able to visit this store. I may not be a practical joker in any sense of the word, but the colours, sounds and smells of this shop would be amazing!

and that leads nicely on to…

Diagon Alley (or Diagonally)

Anyone else want to go shopping here? (Just think of the book shop!!)

The Final Surprise…

Just when you think it can’t get any better, there’s a walk through a series of paper models. These are so intricate and delicate, and the scale and detail is unbelievable.

and last, but by no means least…

This needs no explanation, but pure magic.

---

Now that you’ve seen this, anyone else joining me in Hogwarts?

I’ve recently been to the British Library’s ‘A History of Magic’ Exhibition, and I can’t wait to get stuck into the illustrated ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’! Having seen Jim Kay’s incredible drawings and paintings on display at the exhibition, I couldn’t resist treating myself to the book.

Harry Potter has truly won over a generation, and the world continues to get more magical. I hope I’ve been able to share a snippet of that world through my photos; and never fear, there is so much more to see than what I’ve been able to show you!

Let me know if you’ve been to the Studio Tour, and what your favourite bits are! I’d love to hear from you (and just know any unusual Potter trivia too!)

……(pin with me here!)