Birkbeck Arts Week returns with vibrant array of cultural events (18th – 23rd May 2015)

Curiosity, phantasmagoria and the 18th century come together in a series of fascinating free-to-attend public events at this year’s Birkbeck Arts Week. The six-day festival at Birkbeck, University of London, runs from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 May.

The annual springtime showcase consists of a packed programme of more than 40 events, including lectures, performances, screenings, workshops and discussions.  It features contributions from Birkbeck’s own academics and guest artists and scholars from all over the world.  All events are free to attend, and are open to anyone with an interest in arts and culture.

Highlights of the Birkbeck Arts Week programme for 2015 include:

Photographs of London – A panel of photographers and historians of the medium discuss a series of dramatic and evocative images of London from throughout the decades. Among the images to be delved into are Herbert Mason’s ‘St Paul’s’ (29 December 1940); Bert Hardy’s ‘Life in the Elephant’, (Picture Post, January 1949); and Thomas Struth’s ‘Clinton Road’ (1977).

Wednesday 20th May, 6 – 8pm, Room GO4, 43 Gordon Square

Talking Mr Turner – Tales from the making of Mike Leigh’s recent award-winning film, Mr Turner are brought to life by a team of professionals from behind the scenes of the film. Among the speakers include Birkbeck alumni Dr Jacqueline Riding (historical consultant) and Sarah McBryde (production manager). Tim Wright, who taught Timothy Spall to paint, will also discuss the film and its representation of the great artist.

Thursday 21st May, 6 – 8pm, Birkbeck Cinema

Séance and Seanceability: Magic Lantern – Magic lantern showman and historian, Dr Mervyn Heard gives a spirited account of the phantasmagoria – a Gothic and ghostly form of theatre using projection which springs out of the 19th century

Friday 22nd May, 7.30 – 9pm, Birkbeck Cinema

Birkbeck Arts Week will be primarily hosted in and around 43-47 Gordon Square – once home to several members of the Bloomsbury Set and now home to Birkbeck’s School of Arts.

Professor Hilary Fraser, Dean of Arts, said that this year’s Arts Week “celebrates the imaginative realisation of the past in the contemporary arts” while also deftly “showcasing the exciting research and teaching profile of the school”.

While attendance at all events is free, booking is essential.

Click here for more information and to register.