An early view of America at the British Museum

The British Museum has a new exhibition running until mid-June called A New World: England’s first view of America which features over 70 watercolours painted by English artist John White in what is present day North Carolina during voyages there in the 1580s. The paintings gave people in England the first representations of what life and the inhabitants of the New World were like.

John White had been sent along on an expedition to America by Sir Walter Raleigh to start a settlement in North Carolina and became governor of Roanoke Colony. His granddaughter Virginia Dare was the first English child born in America. Unfortunately for White after making a trip back to England he couldn’t return to America for two years and when he did everyone in the Roanoke Colony had vanished, including his family.

This exhibition also features a number of Elizabethan portraits, 16th century maritime and scientific instruments, historic maps, books and prints. A New World is on until 17 June and tickets cost £7. The British Museum is open daily from 10am-5.30pm (8.30pm Thurs, Fri). Russell Square is the nearest Tube station.

• The American Scene at the British Museum
• Red, white and blue
• Early visitors to Britain
• Museums in London
• Atlantic Worlds at the National Maritime Museum

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