Archived Events

• Upcoming
• Archived

Cooperatives – a Foundation for New Economics

Dr Adotey Bing-Pappoe will argue that there are important advances in technology that are making a cooperative and sharing economy easier to achieve. There is also a growing awareness of the potential of cooperatives as a way of economic organising, and a rising tide of cooperative formation around the world (USA, UK, Greece, Cuba, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay and India). However, the world is not moving effortlessly towards a cooperative commonwealth. A cooperative outcome is only likely to be achieved if it is struggled for.

Haunted Holborn and Bloomsbury Walk

Join the London Fortean Society for a two-and-a-half-hour ghost walk. You will hear of alleged haunted pubs and tube stations, Oliver Cromwell’s undead walk, the ghosts of Senate House, an angry table, a malevolent Egyptian mummy, a doppelgänger in Lincolns Inn, the curse of the forty steps in Bloomsbury and much more.

Trans*figurations 3

The third of LGBT Humanists series of annual Trans* focussed events.

Lego® It Came From Outer Space: Family Event. £3.00

Halloween is on its spooky way and this year we’ve gone for an alien theme for our Lego® activity. Come and make rockets, extra-terrestrials and space-robots to give our library a space-age vibe.

Oscar Wilde and Bernard Shaw, an uneasy and rather distant relationship

Oscar Wilde and Bernard Shaw, an uneasy and rather distant relationship: a talk by Eleanor Fitzsimons, author of Wilde’s Women

Capitalism and Communism

The Marxist Study Centre present "A Cause for all Humanity".

Understand Contemporary Society – Insights from the World Expert in Evolutionary Biology

Robert Trivers, ‘arguably today’s most original thinker in evolutionary theory’ (Richard Dawkins) joins the how to: Academy to apply the theories of evolutionary biology to some of the most complex issues of society and identity in the contemporary world.

Dr Meg-John Barker on “Queer! What is it and why is it relevant to everyone?”

In this talk Meg-John Barker draws on their recent comic book Queer: A Graphic History to introduce the idea of queer and to discuss why it's relevant to everybody, not just to those who we might conventionally think of as being queer.

Phil Hine – A Phallic (K)night

In this talk, Phil Hine examines the life of Richard Payne Knight. the key themes of "A Discourse on the Worship of Priapus" and its republication in the nineteenth century as both erotic and ethnographic text.Phil Hine is an independent researcher and occult practitioner, he has been writing and lecturing on esoteric themes and practices for over thirty years.

Brilliant Banners and Mini-Mes: Family Event. £3.00

We have two giant banners to hang in Conway Hall to celebrate the excellent people that come here, including you! We want you to decorate them by creating an excellent mini-you. You’ll also have the opportunity to make a mini banner to take home.

Music and Language

Musicologist, Roderick Swanston, conveys musical language, the understanding of how notes and structures are selected and used, and how they convey meaning and emotion to listeners.

Language Taster Session – Brazilian

A first exposure to the Brazilian language with a 45-minute lesson for absolute beginners with Lingua Diversa Group.

Removing the Legal Chains of Violence against Women

A performance on the gap between the legal understanding of violence against women and how women experience it and on the role of legal language in enforcing that gap. Performed by Natalie Ohana and Avigail Tlalim.

Terrific Tongues

All the world-changing speeches you thought you knew but can’t really remember. Including several from the great speakers of the Conway Hall. A dazzling variety of Voices from the past spoken NOW!

Language Taster Session – Italian

A first exposure to the Italian language with a 45-minute lesson for absolute beginners with Lingua Diversa Group.

Propaganda and the Nazi Regime

This talk will use archival materials held by the Wiener Library for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide to explore the theme of the use of propaganda by the Nazi regime.

Language Taster Session – German

A first exposure to the German language with a 45-minute lesson for absolute beginners with Lingua Diversa Group. Come and see for yourself how enjoyable and interesting it is to learn German with communicative and fun activities!

The School of Life: Communicate Better in your Relationships

In this class from The School of Life, relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam will consider the importance of what is said and unsaid in any intimate exchange. How can we say what we mean and defuse resentments before they become catastrophic?

What Right to Play?

A panel of experts in family law, child psychology and theatre discuss the right to be a child in an increasingly complex world.

Press This Button

In this increasingly computerised and automated world, amazing things are instantly possible at the press of a button.

Language Taster Session – Spanish

A first exposure to the Spanish language with a 45-minute lesson for absolute beginners with Lingua Diversa Group.

Cultural Identities and Stereotype threat

The Knowledge Quarter brings together researchers and scholars from prestigious universities and cultural organisations to discuss the notion of stereotypes threat.

(we are) a sign of our times

Following a think-share-explore approach, this two-hour workshop with a school of thought is divided into three parts – Theory, Illustration, and Action.

re/de-signs

Posters and signs re/de-signed by artist adamram.Walking through the city streets, we are surrounded by texts – many of which we may see but don’t really pay attention to – which present a simulated, idealised version of how things are. Armed with scrap paper, markers, scissors and masking tape, artist adamram spent a few months re/de-signing posters and signs, to show alternative views and statements – sometimes politically-charged, sometimes context/content-specific, sometimes random, sometimes silly. FREE – Just Turn Up

Switching Hats, Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

In this interactive installation by philologist Valeria Valotto, visitors are invited to experience the different ways the concepts of fear and wonder are expressed in different languages and cultures. By moving in different corners of the room and by wearing clothes and shoes symbolising a specific culture, visitors are encouraged to ‘see’ and ‘feel’ fear and wonder in different ways.

The Role of Language in Understanding Sexual Behaviour

Dr. Cicely Marston, Associate Professor in Social Science at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine discusses her research. The focus of this talk will look at the role of language in sexual behaviour, particularly of young people transitioning into adulthood.

Wiener Library – The Kindertransport

This talk will outline the nature of the Kindertransport scheme, which brought Jewish children escaping Nazi persecution to Britain. The talk will also consider the limitations of the scheme, and the experiences of some of the Kinder. It will be illustrated with materials from the Wiener Library’s unique collections. The library has a wealth of original sources relating to the rise of the Nazis, the Holocaust and refugees, including some of the Red Cross telegrams that were often the only means of communication between child refugees and the rest of their families.

Colour, Form and Light

Five internationally renowned glass artists - Heike Brachlow, Fiaz Elson, Kate Maestri, Bruno Romanelli and Elliot Walker - share the techniques they use to bring colour, form and light into their work.

London Green Party Annual General Meeting

All Green Party members are warmly invited to attend our London Green Party AGM which is taking place, Saturday 22nd October 10.00am-4.30pm at Conway Hall.

Going to Strasbourg: Book launch

Book launch for "Going to Strasbourg: An Oral History of Sexual Orientation Discrimination and the European Convention on Human Rights".

BSA Masterclass: Science Communication Primer

New to science communication and unsure where to start? This event is intended to give those new to science communication and engagement an overview of this varied sector. It is suitable for researchers with an interest in scicomm, those in the early stages of sci comm career, and any volunteers looking to expand their skills.

Ethics & Politics – The Education We Want

The next collaborative meeting between The Conway Hall Ethical Society and GlobalNet21 will be on “Ethics & Education” and will be a discussion on whether we need a new approach to education that is “person” based rather than Government and Corporate driven as it is at the moment. Featuring Viv Grant, Dr. Adam Unwin and chaired by Francis Sealey.

Laughter Yoga Leader Training

Integrated education is under attack – Jay Harman

Join Jay Harman, the only campaigner working full time in opposition to the state funding of ‘faith’ schools and against religious discrimination in admissions, employment, and the curriculum.

How to survive and thrive in the modern world – with Prof Tanya Byron

Join Action for Happiness for an inspiring evening as Professor Tanya Byron explores how we can survive and thrive in the modern world.

Trio Martinů

Schubert: Notturno in E flat D897 Brahms: Trio in C minor Op.101 Dvořák: Trio in F minor Op.65

Religious Education – where it’s been, what it’s doing and where it’s going

The story of Religious Education is one inhabited by Gods and Demons. The different political and ideological camps know all too well who is and is not on their side.John Holroyd will discuss some of the key moments in the recent history of Religious Education in Britain, and some of the current and projected causes of concern and sources of hope for this vital aspect of a child’s education.

Storytelling

Sunday Assembly London will be joined by the very awesome Sebastian Castro Sasso, a former CNN reporter and founder of ECHO. Seb is on a quest to improve the storytelling skills in our everyday lives so we can connect deeper with our communities.

Myth of the Hyper Sexual Black Man

In this debate we ask our panel to explore if black males are accustomed to hyper-sexuality and infidelity to ensure they fulfil their basic evolutionary desire to reproduce. Or is this rhetoric propaganda?

Dominic Davies on “LGBT+ and Psychotherapy; 35 Years of Change”

Join City CBT College for a talk by the excellent Dominic Davies, who will be reflecting on his 35 years as therapist working within the LGBT+ Community and its current and future challenges.

Trauma, Connection and Recovery

This illustrated lecture will describe how traumatic events can shatter our sense of connection and belonging, and how enabling reconnection of mind, body and relationships is essential for recovery.

Ladybird Books and Constructing the Future Past of Modern Britain

In this lovingly illustrated evening, a gaggle of architects and historians talk us through the dreams and the reality portrayed in Ladybird books over the decades.

Expanding Mastermind Group for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners (SME)

Musicians from ‘Musique à Marsac’

Bach/Mozart: Largo and Fugue in Eb K404a/5 Schumann: Märchenerzählungen Op.132 Bartók: Contrasts Sz.111 Helena Winkelman: Bacchanalia Fauré: Piano Quintet No.2 Op.115

Wildcat Anarchist Comics

Donald Rooum will present his book 'Wildcat Anarchist Comics', which includes an account of his being falsely accused of a serious crime, and proved not guilty by pure chance.

Children’s Workshop with Sergio Serra (cellist)

Sergio will introduce the cello and the array of possibilities that come with playing such a great instrument. There will also be fun games!

Are Law Courts Biased Against Defendants?

In 1963, Donald Rooum was charged with carrying an offensive weapon, but the prosecuting officer made a mistake in planting the evidence, and in working to save his own skin Donald accidentally initiated the celebrated "Challenor case", a conspiracy among police officers to discredit nonviolent demonstrators. Donald still asks, "Are Law Courts Biased Against Defendants?"

London Thinks – A Critical Conversation with Onora O’Neill

Join us for an intimate evening with Baroness O’Neill as she embarks on a wide-ranging discussion with Ideas Roadshow host Howard Burton on her academic career, philosophical evolution, and the vital public role for philosophy and philosophical thinking.