‘The Lord of the smoking mirror’: Objects associated with John Dee in the British Museum

Abstract

Six objects associated with the magic practices of John Dee have been held within the collections of the British Museum for many decades. These objects include three wax seals, an obsidian mirror, a gold disc and a crystal ball. In this paper we review the provenance and possible association of these artefacts with Dee by comparing their features to the descriptions and diagrams set out in Dee’s manuscripts. Although we come to the conclusion that a direct link between these objects and Dee remains to be proven, we also uncover a complex world of collectors whose avid interest in Dee contributed to the collection of objects assembled today, which continue to reinforce Dee’s reputation as a magician.