Our monthly talks are held at the HGS Free Church, North Square, London NW11 7AG. Doors open at 14:30, and the talk begins promptly at 15:00, concluding at 16:00. The venue is fully accessible, with disabled toilet facilities available. We look forward to welcoming you.
For information about regular group activities, please see the A-Z list of groups and groups listed by day.
George Gershwin (1898–1937) was a musical genius of the 20th century who seamlessly blended classical music with the rhythms of jazz. A prolific composer, conductor, and pianist, he created over 500 songs with his lyricist brother Ira, contributing to iconic films and musicals such as A Star is Born and An American in Paris. His …
Richard Aronowitz, Global Head of Restitution at Christie's, will speak about his role as a 1933–1945 provenance and restitution expert, the background to the work of his department, and the difficult issues and challenges that he encounters in this important work, with reference to some of the most interesting cases of loss and recovery that he …
In this talk, Gordon Rustin uses the remarkable medical history of one female cancer patient to show how she benefited from 21 lines of therapy. The patient's story traces back through time to reveal how the diagnostic tools and treatments she experienced were discovered—a journey spanning 130 years of medical innovation, blending history with the …
In London’s Hyde Park on 1st May 1851, a spectacular international exhibition was opened by Queen Victoria. It was the first World Trade Fair. The concept was extraordinarily ambitious—to bring together works from all over the world to display the great industrial and artistic achievements of mankind. Above all, it was intended to advance British …
Why It’s Happening—and What We Can Do Once upon a time, Britain and America were “two nations divided by a common language.” Now, coca-colonisation has blurred the lines—“trainers” are “sneakers,” “shops” are “stores,” and “queues” are “lines.” US culture dominates our media, markets, and even manners. Should we fear Silicon (or Silly Con) Valley’s power? …
Drawing on the experience of many well-known authors, in an entertaining, informative talk, Bobbie Darbyshire will explain how, from a few sketchy initial ideas and the wide variety of inspirational sources available to us all, invention gradually stimulates more invention to produce a novel. Readers and non readers will gain new insight into the creative …
