Book Arts

Join author and scholar Felix John Taylor for a talk on his new book on the legendary Victorian occult society The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The first full-length narrative history of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the esoteric society at the centre of the 19th- and 20th-century rise of the occult. Occultism has long been associated with the visual and literary arts, the wild and the avant-garde, and nowhere was this more embodied than in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Founded in London in the 1880s by Freemasons, it was the world’s most famous secret society. In this fresh, bracing narrative history, Felix John Taylor recounts its rise and fall through the men and women for whom the Order represented both an alternative to traditional Victorian religious values and a space for imaginative exploration. Devoted to the study of ceremonial magic, the Order attracted a long list of eminent writers, actors and visual artists to its ranks. It looked towards a ‘golden age’ of spiritual enlightenment, with progressive ideals – class and gender were no barriers to entry – and teachings from tarot to alchemy and astral projection that were gradually unveiled as members ascended ten ‘grades’. While its temples were formally spaces to practice magic, Taylor finds that the Golden Dawn was at various points more an arts club or society of writers. Political schisms and sex scandals ensured that it was short-lived, yet for many members its occult practices came to shape their work and influence the wider culture over a much longer period. The Golden Dawn, with its role in the foundation of Wicca and modern developments in magic, is a vital thread connecting Victorian esotericism to the present-day occult revival. This visually arresting, meticulously researched literary history teases out these connections, while offering a compelling account of the Order and its members.

Join us for a relaxed sketching session from 6–8pm followed by a warm drink and a chat in a nearby café 😊 We usually meet at the V&A Museum or outside in a local park when the weather allows. Please check the location listed in the event details each week, as it may change depending on rain, sun, or gallery access. This is a calm, informal, free meetup — you're welcome to draw at your own pace, chat a little, or just get into the flow. It’s open to all levels, from total beginners to experienced artists. 🖍️ Art materials: In museums/galleries, we can only use dry, non-messy materials: pens, biros, colour pencils, markers, and fine liners (no paint, pastel, or charcoal). In parks or outdoor spaces, feel free to bring paints, pastels, or whatever you like! Bring your own sketchbook and materials, and come just as you are. We’d love to draw with you. ✨✏️☕

If you are you interested on creating your own comic, but need help to put your vision together or do not know were to start then we may have the solution for you. Come talk shop with fellow creators, share experiences, ideas, techniques and tips to help each other grow and have a chance in the industry.

[https://youtu.be/k7JaQ7III2M](https://youtu.be/k7JaQ7III2M) \*\*Video of the night\*\* Tickets are £25 each for that you get two and a half hours of game time on our tables with three professional croupiers dealing the games we all know and love. We also have prizes that can be won on the night, for the players who have most chips left at the end! everyone gets given £500 of play fun money (not real money). Blackjack is £1 minimum bet and £50 max (not real money) roulette is 25p and craps £1 minimum. The first person that goes bankrupt has to do a forfeit (it can be brutal). Please take a look at the photos to see how amazing the table games are real casino grade equipment is used. All in all its a great night out plenty of entertainment good music perfect for dates, singles and meeting new people. See you on the 7th! Sam

Join us for a triple bill of late art. Meetup at 18:15, followed by: [18:30 - Wright of Derby: From the Shadows 👆](https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/wright-of-derby-from-the-shadows) _Pay What You Can for your ticket using the link above._ Location: Sunley Room 'Wright of Derby: From the Shadows' is the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist’s ‘candlelight’ paintings. We celebrate and look again at his most admired works. [19:00 - Stubbs: Portrait of a Horse 👆](https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/stubbs-portrait-of-a-horse) _Free_ Location: Room 1 This exhibition will focus on the creation of ‘Scrub’, one of the first equine portraits in the UK, which will be joined by other paintings and drawings by the artist. [19:30 - ming wong: Dance of the sun on the water 👆](https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/the-national-gallery-artist-in-residence-ming-wong) _Free_ Location: Rooms 10, 58, 59 and 60 Wong’s film and installation draws on paintings of Saint Sebastian and the queer landmark film ‘Sebastiane’ (1976) by British filmmaker Derek Jarman, setting the story inside the National Gallery itself. [Social at the pub Halfway to Heaven 👆](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Halfway+To+Heaven,+7+Duncannon+St,+London+WC2N+4JF/@51.5084961,-0.1265649,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x487604ce66cb986b:0x4d5ecaedbd56327f!8m2!3d51.5084961!4d-0.1265649!16s%2Fg%2F1tf7m0tk?utm_campaign=ml-ardl&g_ep=Eg1tbF8yMDI2MDIxMV8wIJvbDyoASAJQAQ%3D%3D) *See comments below for updates*

Art Journaling is a fun and simple way to incorporate creativity into everyday life. An art journal is a great place to experiment and try out different approaches to art without the pressure of creating a masterpiece. It is an artistic form of self-expression – instead of using words alone; you will be using various media and different art techniques to express your creativity. In a busy world, largely driven by technology, taking time to be creative can often seem frivolous and indulgent. But studies show that creative activities encourage positivity and significantly improve our wellbeing. Art journaling is an effective way to de-stress and practice self-care. Join us for these drop-in sessions in Art journaling with Sai, an experienced teaching artist, avid art journaler and professional calligrapher. From simple mark making to elaborate mixed media art you will learn a variety of new skills; gain confidence in your artistic ability and develop an amazing creative habit that is both enriching and nourishing. Whether you have five minutes or half an hour to spare, Art journaling will inspire you to be creative, practice self-care and reconnect with yourself. Each week we work with different media and techniques. Sai provides some resources, however please bring an art journal and some basic supplies with you. Contact Sai directly to book bluepaletteartstudio@gmail.com

**\*FREE FOR MEMBERS, JOIN WHEN YOU ARRIVE!\*** Come and join us at the **Living Room Club Glengal Groove** on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 pm to upcycle second-hand clothes. We gather for creative transformation and upcycling of second-hand clothing items and materials to sell in our cafe. The income from this project supports our Homeless Project in Soho. For further information, please contact Neide on 07585560345

Join us for an informal and welcoming book club meetup where we’ll be discussing** Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. **Whether you’ve finished the book, are halfway through, or just curious, you’re invited. This is a relaxed space to share thoughts, hear different perspectives, and connect with others who enjoy reading. No pressure—just good conversation and an opportunity to meet new people. If you’d like a refresher before joining, you can: Watch the film adaptation (Charly, 1968), available on common streaming platforms or rental services Read a summary here: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/algernon/summary/

Join artist Frank de Caires for coffee at his exhibition of vibrant paintings from his art residency in Japan. Free @regentsparkgallery 17 Princess Rd NW1 8JR

In the digital age💻📡📱, do you still like getting a physical book to read? Where do you buy them? Amazon? Waterstone? Blackstone? How about join us for a bookshop crawl, let's try to find some hidden gems of independent bookshops. (Or just tag along for a chat😁) For this west London tour, we will start from Turnham Green Station, walking Chiswick High Road and King Street towards Hammersmith Station. We will do 5 bookshops📚📚📚! Don't worry, it's not a marathon, don't feel under any obligation to finish all the bookshops. The two hour time is just a guidance, some shops take longer and some are less. If you ever want to stay in one shop for longer (I know, been there, done that😂) feel free to do so, you can join us at other shops. (See itinerary below) Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the shops, so you are not obliged to buy any books, just get whatever you like. *** 📚💃🏼 📖💃🏿☕️ ITINERARY ☕️💃🏾🍷💃🏻🍴📚 We will all meet up at Turnham Green Station, don't worry if you are late, join us in along the walks. Then the tour shall begin! 1: Oxfam Bookshop Address: 90 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, London W4 1QN Comment: Always try to have one on the tour, staple for second-hand books. 2: Bookcase London Address: 268 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 1PD Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 3: Foster Books Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 4: The Small Library Company Address: 40 Chiswick Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2JQ Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 5: Everybody Reads Address: 6 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 1TH Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 6: Books for Amnesty Address: 175 King St, London W6 9JT Comment: Another chained charity bookshop, very much like Oxfam. Generally we finish here, then for people who want to stay we usually find somewhere to have food and further discussions in the afternoon. *** Wow, you made it, hopefully you have found some books that will make you happy🎈🎉✨. For people who likes to have more socials or talk more about books (or just to show off your purchases😆), we can find some place for a cup of coffee or a late lunch. *** Google map link for the bookshops: (TBA)

**PLEASE NOTE:** The location is: **The People's Letters Bookshop** Address: **395 Cambridge Heath Rd, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9RA** ✨Hi all, Let's Get Crafty is back! ✨ Join us for an afternoon of arts and craft at The People's Letters Bookshop. We will provide yarn, needles, hooks, clay, colouring pencils and books, origami paper, etc, or you can buy a colouring book from the store. You're also welcome to bring your own projects along. The bookstore provides a separate and private space for us which is perfect for us auties and ND folk. The store also provides free hot drinks. Accessibility: the store has an accessible entrance and toilet. The People's Letters is a worker-led, cooperatively run bookstore and community event space in East London. Help support what they do: https://peoplesletters.org/support https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VyYX6pPn Support us: Please support us on Kofi so we can keep providing more free events in the future! https://ko-fi.com/neurodissidentcafe *Please only RSVP if you can make it.* If you cannot make it anymore, please be sure to update your RVSP so we can adapt accordingly. Please do not come if you have not RSVPed.

In this event, we will discuss about a science or philosophy book chosen by London Science and Philosophy Book Club. The attendees will be divided into groups and each of them will focus on a chapter in the book. This month we will discuss about a fascinating book called Warriors and Worriers by Joyce F. Benenson. If you haven't read the book, it's no problem. I will bring you up to speed with the discussion materials. We will meet in a nice lounge area at 6 p.m for introductions. Please come on time so you will not miss out on valuable discussion midway. If you end up in the waitlist, feel free to show up. Book Description: The question of exactly what sex differences exist and whether they have a biological foundation has been one of our culture's favorite enduring discussions. It should. After a baby is born, a parent's first concern is for its physical health. The next concern is its sex. Only in the most modern societies does sex not virtually guarantee the type of future life a new human being will have. Even in modern societies, one's sex usually plays a large role in the path a life follows. Scientists have published thousands of papers on the subject, with the general conclusion being that men and women are mostly the same, whatever differences exist have been socialized, and what differences exist have to do with women bearing children and men being physically stronger. In Warriors and Worriers, psychologist Joyce Benenson presents a new theory of sex differences, based on thirty years of research with young children and primates around the world. Her innovative theory focuses on how men and women stay alive. Benenson draws on a fascinating array of studies and stories that explore the ways boys and men deter their enemies, while girls and women find assistants to aid them in coping with vulnerable children and elders. This produces two social worlds for each sex which sets humans apart from most other primate species. Human males form cooperative groups that compete against out-groups, while human females exclude other females in their quest to find mates, female family members to invest in their children, and keep their own hearts ticking. In the process, Benenson turns upside down the familiar wisdom that women are more sociable than men and that men are more competitive than women. Agenda: 6 p.m to 6:30 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Book Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home.

Today we'll be looking at the work of the Italian artist Caravaggio. Caravaggio adopted *chiaroscuro* lighting in his paintings in the 16th century. *Chiaroscuro* is an Italian term referencing the contrast of light (chiar) and dark (oscuro) to model three-dimensional forms. It’s a style that has quite dramatic results and one that photographers can use to create dramatic images. **Join us for a workshop in 2 parts:** * Part 1: Informative session on the incredibly interesting life and work of Caravaggio * Part 2: Shoot chiaroscuro style * We will also discuss street photography tips **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £25 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Send us a text or comment below and we will add you to the event attendee list. EQUIPMENT: * Any camera * Any lens such as a standard 18-55, 24-70mm etc. OTHER ESSENTIALS * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 **TRAVEL WEEKEND - VENICE WEEKEND Oct 2026** [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) **MONTHLY EVENTS** [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar)

Let's sketch Trafalgar Square! Meet outside Nelson's Column in the nightmare homeland of British tourism - Trafalgar Square! An insane place full of the weirdest and most wonderful people and architecture the city has to offer. Nearest Tube Stop: Charing Cross/Leicester Square/Embankment Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. The plan will be to meet at 1pm, sketch for a couple of hours and meet back and chat at 3pm. There are plenty of places around to grab coffee or a bite to eat, hopefully the weather is good so we'll be able to sit outside but if not we could consider ducking into a cafe. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!