19 June  Dr Kathryn Harkup

Dying to be Beautiful

Dr Kathryn Harkup is a chemist who completed her doctorate on her favourite chemicals, phosphines. She went on to further chemical research before deciding that talking, writing and demonstrating science interested her more than the nitty-gritty of research. She now focuses on the dangerous and nasty side of science including Agatha Christie’s poisons, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, death in Shakespeare’s plays. On her most recent visit to us she spoke about the science behind 007. Her enthusiasm and slightly ghoulish sense of humour make her a very popular speaker and we look forward to hearing her talk about the damaging measures that people over centuries have taken in pursuit of their idea of beauty.

​

17 July  Simon Cottle

A Piece of the Auction

Simon Cottle’s career has been in the world of fine art. Formerly Managing Director of Bonhams Auctioneers, he is an international specialist on British and European glass and ceramics. Earlier in his career, he worked in museums around the UK and also at Sotheby’s. At both Sotheby’s and Bonhams he extended the company’s activities into continental Europe and at Bonhams also into North America. He will talk to us about the life of an auctioneer in a top auction house and some of the interesting, unusual and unexpected items which have come under the hammer. 

​

21 August  Summer Lunch Party

​

18 Sept  Prof Lynne Murphy 

How our Language is changing

Lynne Murphy is Professor of Linguistics at Sussex University. As Lynneguist she runs the blog Separated by a Common Language. An American who has lived in the UK since 2000 she is ideally placed to research and comment on the links between UK and American English which she does particularly in one of her books, The Prodigal Tongue, subtitled The Love-Hate Relationship between American and British English. We look forward to expertise, insight and humour as Professor Murphy explores how our language is changing and some of the social, political and linguistic forces which drive these changes. 

​

16 Oct  Dr Paul Roberts

Rome, Art and Emperors

Dr Paul Roberts is an expert on the archaeology and art of the Classical Mediterranean from C4th BCE to C6th CE. He is Keeper of the Department of Antiquities at the Ashmolean Museum and the author of many books about the history and archaeology of the Classical period. He focusses particularly on seeing the objects discovered by archaeologists not just as artefacts but as possessions which can give us a unique insight into the lives of their owners. This he did very enthusiastically in his talk entitled Last Supper at Pompeii and the exhibition of the same title which he curated at the Ashmolean. We look forward to his new talk about Classical Rome.

​

20 Nov John Ericson

The Story of Beatrix Potter

We last heard John Ericson give us his fascinating talk "The Wind in the Willows" and we have invited him back to tell us what he describes as an "extraordinary and fascinating tale of Beatrix Potter"   Born into a wealthy Victorian family she became not only one of our best loved children's authors and illustrators, she was a respected naturalist, business woman, farmer and breeder of prize winning sheep whose early support fostered the foundations of the National Trust. We can rely upon John to deliver the story with his customary enthusiasm, warmth and humour.

11 Dec  Sarah Slater

Our Christmas Traditions

Sarah Slater is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and a Guide and Lecturer of the Historic Royal Palaces. After 23 years in retail banking Srah joined Historic Royal Palaces in 2008 and is now based at Hampton Court Palace. As an historian she has a particular interest in the human stories of those who have lived and worked within the palace walls. In her December talk she will explore the origins and development of some of our best loved Christmas customs and traditions.