Nicolas Flamel, Alchemist

In The Philosopher's Stone, Harry, Hermione and Ron spent some considerable time in the library at Hogwarts, trying to identify a certain Nicolas Flamel. Eventually Hermione pulled out an old book she had put aside for a bit of light reading. ‘“Nicolas Flamel,” she whispered dramatically, “is the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone!”’ According to this ancient tome, Flamel was a noted alchemist and opera-lover, aged 665, who lived quietly in Devon with his wife, Perenelle. In reality, Flamel spent his life in medieval Paris, and according to some sources died in 1418. Flamel was a landlord, sometimes said (incorrectly) to have been involved in the book trade. This illustration shows a memorial to the Holy Innocents commissioned by Nicolas and Perenelle, with the Flamels praying at the top beside the saints.

WATERCOLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS TO A MEMOIR OF NICOLAS FLAMEL AND HIS WIFE (FRANCE, 18TH CENTURY)

British Library

“Nicolas Flamel is a fascinating character – an intersection in history between myth, legend and the magic of Harry Potter. Almost everything we knew about him was incorrect. The real Flamel wasn’t an alchemist, yet after his death this fantastical story somehow rose up around his name.”

Julian Harrison
Lead Curator