Talks

Join multi award winning historian Sarah Wise discussing her latest book: The Undesirables; The Law That Locked Away A GenerationThrough the early twentieth century, ‘liberal’ Britain locked away thousands of innocent people.By 1950, an estimated 50,000 people had been deemed ‘defective’ by the government and detained for life under the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act. Their … Continue reading "Sarah Wise in Conversation: The Undesirables"

Join historian Andrew Whitehead as he talks about his brilliant new book describing the events of the Siege of Sidney Street.The tale of a notorious 1911 London gunfight, the ‘Siege of Sidney Street’, and its consequences.On 3 January 1911, in the heart of London’s mainly Jewish East End, police discovered Latvian revolutionaries wanted for the … Continue reading "Andrew Whitehead: A Devilish Kind Of Courage"

A fascinating night for all lovers of architecture from two brilliant speakersCharles Holland challenges us to look beyond the day-to-day familiarity of buildings to rediscover the pleasure of experiencing architectureArchitecture is bound up with our daily lives but, for most of us, it is experienced as a blur of habit. Our reactions towards the buildings … Continue reading "Charles Holland and Travis Elborough: How to Enjoy Architecture"

Join Viv Groskop as she discusses her latest work, "One Ukrainian Summer" with acclaimed chef Olia Hercules.Autumn 1993. The former USSR. Viv is about to turn 21 and is on a study year abroad, supposedly immersed in the language, history and politics of a world that has just ceased to exist: the Soviet Union.Instead, she … Continue reading "Viv Groskop and Olia Hercules: One Ukrainian Summer"

Join Broadcaster, Director and Journalist Lindley Gooden as he introduces his new book: The Future Of TruthWe need to talk.It's all so very human. We're perfectly attuned to absorb information packed tightly into the stories that we share. It’s just our thing. Stories have been the warm embrace holding small groups of people together for … Continue reading "Lindley Gooden Introduces: The Future Of Truth"

Iain Sinclair with John Rogers discuss Iain's latest work: Pariah Genius.In Pariah Genius, literary giant Iain Sinclair follows in the footsteps of photographer John Deakin, whose chronicles of Soho life - and the world of Francis Bacon and his friends - have so influenced our perception of that generation's work.In this bold fictionalisation, Sinclair enters … Continue reading "Iain Sinclair and John Rogers: Pariah Genius"

Join acclaimed author Salena Godden for a night of stunning poetry and more...With Love, Grief and Fury contains love poems, for people and the planet; grief poems brimming with compassion, sharing tears and mourning what was and contemplating what could be; and poems of fire and fury that will kick some ass, tell the truth … Continue reading "An Evening with Salena Godden: With Love, Grief and Fury"

Join author and cycling advocate Laura Laker as she discusses her brand new book: Potholes and Pavements'Just wonderful – two wheels good, Laura Laker brilliant. Part travel diary, part love poem to Britain's cycle network ... it's difficult not to be inspired by this fabulous book.' Jeremy Vine'With a passion for both cycling and words, … Continue reading "Laura Laker: Potholes and Pavements"

A fascinating and moving documentary screening and Q&A with Robin InceOrigins of a Bibliomaniac - A Special Event with Robin Ince.Join us for a screening of 'Origins of a Bibliomaniac', a 60 minute documentary film about Robin and his late father’s book obsession. Much of this heartwarming and often hilarious film was shot the week … Continue reading "Robin Ince: Film Screening – The Origins of a Bibliomaniac"

Join Baroness Chakrabarti in conversation with Rosie Boycott as she discusses her latest book : "Human Rights The case for the Defence".A powerful and urgent explanation and vindication of our human rights and freedomsAfter the devastation of World War Two, the international community came together to enshrine fundamental rights to refuge, health, education and living … Continue reading "Shami Chakrabarti: Human Rights:The Case for the Defence with Rosie Boycott"

Join us for hottest New Orleans style funk, blues and soul live with Roy Pfeffer and the Big Smoke Family Trio"This Band Is The Bomb!"-Booker T Jones"Nola-Tastic"- The New Mastersounds"The Kings Of New Orleans In London"- Continental DriftsThe Big Smoke Family Trio with Roy PfefferRoy is a London-based session drummer, band leader, and producer, renowned … Continue reading "A Hot Nola Night with the Big Smoke Family Trio"

Join MIchael Rosen for a unique poetry experienceA unique chance to listen, create and perform with Michael Rosen.In this one of a kind evening Michael will read from his new collection of poems "Pebbles".Michael Rosen has been, for many years, a prodigious and prolific user of Twitter (now known as 'Eggs'). Unlike the armies of … Continue reading "Michael Rosen: Pebbles"

Join an incredible line up of musicians for another celebration of the Hammond!Join us for an incredible night celebrating one of the most iconic instruments in the history of modern music, the Hammond Organ.This all star band is made up of some of the greatest session musicians in the business. Just look at their CV.The … Continue reading "Hammond Nights! The Return"