Libraries events archive 2009
London Spaceways at Westminster Reference Library
Talk and Q&A with Rob Fabian plus the World Premiere of filmmaker Jim Hollands's short film There Is No More Firmament
Monday 21 December 2009 7.00pm to 9.00pm
The London Spaceways talk explores some great philosophical questions...
- Who are we?
- Where did we come from?
- What are we made of?
Science, Philosophy and Religion have always asked the big questions... the vast emptiness of space has always stood as an answer....infinite and unknown. Some of the most symbolic expressions of 20th century science are the nuclear bomb, the spaceship, and the cinema.
- How does science relate to war?
- How does space relate to cinema?
Website Optimisation Workshop at Westminster Reference Library
Tuesday 8 December 2009 5.45pm- 8.30pm
Are you running a business which is not yet on the Internet? Perhaps you already have a simple business website which you want to improve?
If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then come to a talk and presentation by Tony Cattermole, Business Advisor at Business Link in London.
An opportunity to find out:
- Why website optimisation is so important to the success of your business
- All about Domain names, Keywords and key phrases
- How to achieve higher search engine visibility
- Getting the best from a web designer
- Website design and optimization
- The differences between search engines and directories
Free and Open to all.
Small Worlds exhibition at Westminster Reference Library
Journey through landscapes.
28 October to 7 November 2009
Launch/Private View on Friday 30 October, 7.00 - 9.00pm. Includes a short presentation: "Some thoughts on art from a Bahá'í perspective" at 7.30pm.
Nigel Moody is a Norfolk artist, living and working in the landscape that he celebrates in many of the pieces to be shown in his first London exhibition: Small Worlds.
The exhibition records Nigel’s journey, exploring important and paradoxical notions: for example that what is a tiny image can represent a whole world to the imagination of the viewer, who ‘reads’ the image with an increased intensity of gaze, precisely because it is so small.
This theme, of celebrating the effects that landscape and architecture can have on the spirit, is also very present in the subjects of tiny ‘portraits’ of sacred Bahá'í sites. They show how connected, in truth, all landscape is, and how sensitive renderings of beautiful places can bring us closer to an understanding of their meaning, not just their surface.
The exhibition also shows Nigel’s interest in technique, exploring the effects of pen and ink , alone or combined with washes of tone and colour.
Play writing workshop
Monday 23 November from 5.30 - 7.30pm at Maida Vale Library
The Soho Theatre will be running a play writing workshop at Maida Vale Library. This event is free and all are welcome. However, advance booking is required; contact the library for more details and to book your place. The workshop will enable participants to register for the Westminster Prize.
Suddenly Single, and more...
A zesty poetic one women show by Carol Burnes
Thursday 19 November from 6.30pm at Marylebone Library
Internationally known poet, performer, and workshop leader, Carol Burnes, US, returns to perform in the new literary series at Marylebone Information Services. She will offer zesty selections from her one-woman show, "Suddenly Single", so well received at the King’ Head Theatre - The Times called it “…moving, brave and wonderfully funny.” Burnes will premiere new poems and draw from her three books, Roots and Wings, Fine Lines and An Episode of Buttons. She will also offer her acclaimed Discoveries™ writing workshop at the library.
To book your place please email: referencelibrarynw1@westminster.gov.uk, call: 020 7641 1300 and ask for Marylebone Information Service, or visit the library...
For more information visit the Carol Burnes website...
Clear your clutter, manifest your dreams!
Wednesday 18 November, from 5.00 to 6.00pm at Maida Vale Library
Find out why everybody has clutter, the benefits of clearing, how to de-clutter and how to stay clutter-free. Free talk by Birgit Medele, Professional Organiser.
Get a Fresh Start with Subway, the #1 Franchise
Tuesday 17 November 2009, 6.30 - 8.30pm at Westminster reference Library
Subway® offers an exceptional franchise opportunity for people who want to start their own business.
Join us to find out more about the key factors that have contributed to its phenomenal growth and how you can become part of a success story.
Hosted by Colin Rutt from Portobello Business Centre.
Delane's War : meet the author
Thursday 5 November 2009 at Westminster Reference Library
TIM COATES speaker at this talk is a former head of Waterstone’s, plus a publisher and a campaigner for the improvement of public libraries. As well as this new book he is also the author of Patsy: The Story of Mary Cornwallis West.
Delane's War is the story of how John Delane, editor of The Times, brought about the resign ation of the entire Cabinet of the British government over its conduct of the Crimean War.
- Find out more about the book from a Tim Coates article in The Times
- Find out about the Crimean War through the Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Learn more about John Delane from the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
In 1807 history was made … England abolished the slave trade.
Friday 30 October 2009, 3.00 - 3.30 pm at Maida Vale Library
To mark Black History Month - a mini musical by Yaa Asantewaa Arts Theatre School.
Starring Olaudah Equiano, William Wilberforce, the Quakers, Ottabah Cugoana, Mary Prince, Ignatious Sancho & Josiah Wedgwood.
Suitable for age 7 to 70.
Website Optimisation Workshop
Wednesday 28 October 2009 5.45pm – 8.30pm at Westminster Reference Library
Are you running a business which is not yet on the Internet? Perhaps you already have a simple business website which you want to improve?
If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then come to a talk and presentation by Tony Cattermole, Business Advisor at Business Link in London.
An opportunity to find out:
- Why website optimisation is so important to the success of your business
- All about Domain names, Keywords and key phrases
- How to achieve higher search engine visibility
- Getting the best from a web designer
- Website design and optimization
- The differences between search engines and directories
Journey Through Islam
An exhibition about the Islamic faith, history and civilisation
19 - 26 October 2009 at Westminster Reference Library
Historically, Muslims always persevered to seek knowledge, and hence they were the founders of some of the very first libraries. The House of Wisdom ‘Bait al-Hikma’ was a Library and translation institute and a key institution in the Translation Movement, considered to have been a major intellectual center of the Islamic Golden Age.
In July 2009, Exhibition Islam, a London-based Islamic Exhibition Service, embarked on a new project, which brings a display of Islamic exhibitions into libraries throughout London and the South East.
Libraries provide an ideal platform for displaying informative material to the local community. This exhibition will provide an ideal opportunity for the public to gather information about the Islamic faith in a relaxed and friendly environment.
This is an eye-catching and educational exhibition that prompts visitors to explore the origins of Islam, its tenets, and how the faith continues to help the modern world today. Above all, it offers visitors a glance at the glorious history of Islam and its rich contribution.
The Big Draw - for primary school children at Victoria Library.
What is the young witch or wizard wearing this season? Do they have a pet? Need gloves? A stylish hat, hairdo or other magical accessories? You decide...
Take part in The Big Draw at Victoria Library this October, by designing a witch or wizard costume for Hallowe'en.
To take part, download an entry form and either a Witch or Wizard form below, and get your entry to Victoria Library before 25 October. Winners will be selected in time for Hallowe'en!
Cassandra Clark discusses her latest novel
Wednesday 21 October from 6.30pm at Marylebone Information Service
Cassandra Clark author of Hangman Blind, will be visiting the library to discus her latest novel The red velvet turnshoe.
To book your place please email: referencelibrarynw1@westminster.gov.uk, call: 020 7641 1300 and ask for Marylebone Information Service, or visit the library.
The life and achievements of Mary Seacole
Tuesday 20 October, 5.30pm at Maida Vale Library
Professor Elizabeth Anionwu CBE FRCN Vice-Chairperson, Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal will hold a talk about the Crimean war heroine.
Find out more about Mary Seacole from the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography...
Marjorie Green
Monday 19 October 2.00pm at St John's Wood Library
Emotional freedom techniques - accupunture for the emotions without the needles! Come along to find out more about relieving your stress and negative emotions.
The Marylebone Library (Late) Summer School - repeated due to popular demand!
6 computer training sessions:
- Thurs 10 September - Absolute Beginners
- Tues 15 September - Word Processing
- Tues 22 September - Web Searching
- Mon 28 September - Email
- Wed 7 October - YouTube, Flickr, Facebook,etc
- Thurs 15 October - Family History
A sawdust trail at Westminster Reference Library
29 September to 17 October
This cultural, iconic form of performance has played an indispensable role in our cultural society, raising issues of racial diversity to gender difference from animalized human beings to humanized animals.
After graduating from City & Guilds of London Art College, Baccara's work has been shown in institutions from The Princes Trust Mask charity, the Royal Festival Hall, The British Film Institute for HP Photography, The Courtauld Institute, The ICA and Galerie Morge, in Berlin. In 2010, Baccara will be part of the Elephant Parade, the capital’s biggest outdoor art event, in aid of the Asian elephant, then onto Henley Festival and lastly Spain, for the Arts-Relief auction.
Yasmine first presented a liberty routine when she was ten years old, and was presented with her first horse when she was thirteen. She was then tutored in the art of horse training by John Gindel. For the past twenty years, Yasmine and her horses have travelled throughout Europe and America. Their work in the circus has always been an equal demonstration of horsemanship and glamour.
In Fitness and in Wealth
Wednesday 14 October 2009 at Westminster Reference Library
Expert tips on how to use diet and relaxation techniques to combat stress in the workplace, revitalising you and your business.
This event was hosted by Colin Rutt from Portobello Business Centre.
Speakers:
- Rachel Bailey (Your Metamorphosis): Dietry Therapy for Combating Stress in the Workplace
- Cristina Llavina: Alexander Technique
- Isobel Carnwath (Vivid Wellbeing): The Benefits of Massage at Work
- Karen Laryea (Korkoi - Fitness/Life-coaching): Transform Your Mind - Transform Your Body
Tea provided by Melissa Choi of Choi Time Teas.
Open day at Maida Vale Library
Saturday 17 October 2009
A Guided Circular Walk with local historian Hans Norton
In the years up to 1939 Ardizzone worked hard as both painter and graphic artist. .... his very personal, domestic vision received considerable praise. Working chiefly in his favourite medium of water-colour, but also in oils and lithography ... he celebrated the local life of his quarter of London, Maida Vale: recreations in its parks and along the Regent’s Canal, the bonhomie of its pubs and its night-life. He brought to these scenes a mixture of affection, wit and gentle satire.... The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
This walk visited Ardizzone's home and followed a favourite ‘constitutional’ of his – which just happens, purely co-incidentally, to pass two of his favourite pubs. We also looked at...
- cow keepers and Welsh dairymaids
- what happened in the terrible winter of 1642
- what happened in the terrible winter of 1942
- the gentleman that paid the rent in Medieval times
- the great Credit Crunch of 1866
- young men, sports cars and slaloms around lamp posts
- the mews that never was.
- And much, much more... Hans Norton
- The walk begins and ends at Maida Vale Library and is free...
Find your voice in the library
The Find Your Voice group sang from 1pm.
Open Day at St John's Wood Library
Saturday 10 October 10.30am - 5.00pm
Fun activities and events in your local library throughout the day!
Timetable
10.30am - Rhyme time
11.15am - Face painting
1.00pm - Family History workshop
2.00pm - Massage workshop
3.30pm - Community information session: Refreshments will be served.
4.00pm - The Big Draw craft and story time
Music workshops with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday 10 October, from 9.30am to 4.30pm
Read about how it went...
Your Favourite Nursery Rhyme
Friday 9 October is National Bookstart Day! The theme this year is 'Your Favourite Nursery Rhyme' - so celebrate with us at Westminster Libraries by coming along to one of our special rhyme times taking place during that week.
All under five year olds and their grown-ups are welcome to join us in singing rhymes, sharing stories and having fun! And you can receive some free rhymes to take away and share at home!
The special rhyme times-
- Church Street Library - Thursday 8 October
- Maida Vale Library - Friday 9 October
- Marylebone Library - Tuesday 6 October
- Mayfair Library - Wednesday 7 October
- Paddington Children's Library - Wednesday 7 October
- Pimlico Library - Monday 5 October
- Queen's Park Library - Wednesday 7 October
- St James's Library - Friday 9 October
- St John's Wood Library - Thursday 8 october
- Victoria Library - Wednesday 7 October
For more information on the Bookstart scheme visit: www.bookstart.org.uk
Clear your clutter!
Thursday 8th October at St John's Wood Library
Professional organiser Birgit Medele will be talking about the benefits of de-cluttering and inspiring everyone to clear up their lives.
Exhibition: Emma Humphrey (Paddington Library)
9 September - 7 October
The artist states:
"I have felt inspired to express myself through drawing and painting since I was a small child. I got my degree in Fine art at Falmouth University in 1993. Since then I have consistently shown my work at various venues."
Eid Family Learning Workshop
Saturday 3 October at Paddington Children's Library
Ann Montini presents: What we did on our holidays!
September 2009 at Westminster Reference Library
Variety beside the Sea - Stardust memories of Post-War Britain with Alan Scott and Neil Sean.
This event is free but booking is essential. To ensure your place please visit the library, tel 020 7641 5250 or email referencelibrarywc2@westminster.gov.uk
Dr Johnson 1709 to 1784
It's 300 years since the birth of author and lexicographer Samuel Johnson. Famed for the creation of his comprehensive English Dictionary.
I have, notwithstanding this discouragement, attempted a dictionary of the English language, which, while it was employed in the cultivation of every species of literature, has itself been hitherto neglected. From the preface to his Dictionary and the OED online.
To mark the anniversary Westminster Reference Library will hold a series of events with the help of current and former curators of the Dr Johnson museum plus it will have an exhibition taking place throughout September on the first floor.
Dr Johnson at 300
Wednesday, 9 September, 6.30pm
An illustrated talk by Stephanie Pickford, curator of Dr Johnson’s House, on the life and works of Samuel Johnson 1709-1784.
Dr Johnson’s Dictionary Garret
Thursday, 17 September, 6.30pm
A talk by Natasha McEnroe, former curator of Dr Johnson’s House, on the garret in the house at 17 Gough Square where Johnson spent many years compiling his famous dictionary. Johnson's Dictionary (1755) gives the room its historic resonance, but what became of the room once its famous occupant had left...
Dr Johnson's London
Friday, 18 September, from 6.30pm
A walk led by author Antony Clayton on the day of the 300th anniversary of Dr Johnson’s birth, that will explore the streets and places associated with him and his friends. Beginning at Westminster Reference Library.
Becoming Self-Employed: Workshop & Talk
Thursday, 24 September, 2.15pm – 4.15pm
Puzzled by PAYE? Stumped by Self Assessment?
Get on the right track with Chris Seth, Business Adviser, from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and find out about the implications of becoming self-employed.
This event is FREE.
Please book in advance by telephone 020 7641 5250 or email bip@westminster.gov.uk.
Laurie R King - Reading and Q & A session
Monday 14 September 2009, 6.00pm – 7.45pm
American crime writer Laurie R King will be reading from her new novel The Language of Bees (featuring Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell) and answering questions about her books. Anyone can attend this event free of charge.
Author Event, Reading & Book signing
Marcus Fedder reads from his novel Sarabande
Thursday, 27 August, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Marcus Fedder knows the banking world inside and out having spent over twenty years in the industry. Whilst working for the EBRD, Marcus felt inspired to write a book about the civil war in former yugoslavia. He was shocked by the fact that in the middle of Europe, an hour's flight from Vienna, a situation which everyone thought would never again occur on European soil existed again: genocide, concentration camps and hostage taking of a whole city.
Come and listen to him read from his novel Sarabande and talk about his experience in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina.
There will also be an exhibition of Marcus' paintings at the library from Aug 1st to 28th.
Brand You: Turn your Unique Talents into a Winning Formula
Wednesday, 12 August 2009, at Westminster Reference Library
'Stand out and be memorable. Get employers and clients asking for you.'
Come and hear authors John Purkiss & David Royston-Lee talk about their new book.
Find out how you can build your brand based on your talents, values, purpose, skills and experience.
Beat the recession with the Open University
Thursday 30 July 2009
The Open University visited Marylebone Information Services to give people the chance to see which courses it could offer to people hoping to improve their skills. One-to-one sessions were provided and it proved very popular.
Outing Hollywood: Suppression of Identity
Two illustrated talks by Sandra Shevey at Westminster Reference Library
Sex Appeal
Thursday 23 July 2009
In the first of these talks, Sandra Sheveytold us about her career spanning over 40 years of megastar interviewing whilst playing excerpts from some of her interviews with stars such as Rock Hudson, Lillian Burns Sidney, June Allyson, Myrna Loy, Peter Lawford, Anita Loos and Alfred Hitchcock.
Hollywood and the Corporate Image
Wednesday 29 July 2009 at 6pm
To illustrate her second talk on Hollywood and the Corporate Image, Sandra played excerpts from some of her interviews with stars such as George Cukor, Joan Blondell, Ann Miller and Mark Robson.
Church Street Festival
Sunday 12 July
A great family day out; six hours of entertainment, fun activities, tasty food and competition - all for FREE! Over 15 amazing cultural stage acts, Have -a- Go Workshops, Arts and Crafts, Sports Activities, Under 5’s entertainment, Mouth-watering dishes and 30 different community information stalls.
Dramatic Reading of: The Ram in the Thicket by Adrian Brown
Tuesday 14 July 6.00pm
A dramatic reading by three voices of this epic poem taking a new look at the ancient story of Abraham and Isaac will take place in Westminster Reference Library.
Here are some quotes regarding the poem:
‘In places like a fantastic pastiche of Milton, the story or Abraham and Isaac is told as a fertility myth, an analogue for our own time, where the young are still sacrificed by their elders, as in Wilfred Owen’s ‘The parable of the Old Men and the Young…’
Andy Croft, The Morning Star
‘Producing a blank verse narrative poem these days is unusual and ambitious enough to deserve commendation…’
Philip Pullman
‘…thank you for the opportunity to experience your acute insights…your book will be archived in my personal library…’
Professor Richard Dawkins
‘…recounts in mesmerizingly sensuous blank verse, the balance between faith and reason, between a Leader and the Leviathan masses, between principle and pragmatism. First performed in Delhi’s prestigious Habitat Centre, a trio of eloquent voices - the author with two accomplished actors - brought a suspenseful narrative vividly to life.’
The Hindustan Times
The Story of Albert Houthuesen: an illustrated talk by Richard Nathanson on the Dutch-English modernist artist.
Monday 13 July 2009 6pm – 8pm
Richard Nathanson is a Putney author and producer of the biography and documentary Walk to the Moon - the Story of Albert Houthuesen.
Best Books of 2008
'Houthuesen (1903-79) was a Dutch-English modernist whose life story forms one of the most sensational, offbeat, affecting artist’s biographies I have encountered. Told in his own words, it is illustrated with his strange religious paintings, portraits – especially the sombre but high-colour clowns – and landscapes.'
Jackie Wullschlager, Chief Art Critic, Financial Times
Dreams of Progress - philosophical debate
Art videos and utopian visions - launch party and debate
Thursday, July 9, 2009
In these days of economic, environmental and sometimes ideological uncertainties, Dreams of Progress will take a look back at our previous visions of the future, how they materialized and the way that they relate to the dreams we nourish today. The debate will be punctuated by projections of four videos and will question the meaning of progress, between modernism and post-modernism, individuality and utopias, human nature as opposed to mega structures.
Summer Chorus Concert - Pegasus Opera Company's Community Chorus
Tuesday 7 July 7.30pm to 10pm
The Pegasus Opera Company will perform a series of well loved arias in the library. There are 13 performers, (15 participants in all including the Chorusmaster and Accompanist). The concert will feature performances from soloists Valerie Grant, Denise K Christie, Maxine Anderson, Grace Nyandoro, Toby F Scholz, Preshi Navaratnam and Bernard Abervandana, as well as the Community Chorus itself.
Arias:
Va pensiero – Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves – Nabucco - Verdi
Questo é il cielo – Chorus of the Enchanted Islanders – Alcina - Handel
Placido é il mar, andiamo – Voyagers’ Chorus – Idomeneo - Mozart
Habañera – Carmen – Bizet
Bridal Chorus – Lohengrin – Wagner
Endless Pleasure – Semele – Handel
Oh I Can’t Sit Down – Porgy and Bess – Gershwin
It Ain’t Necessarily So – Porgy and Bess – Gershwin
Oh, We’re Goin’ Around – Treemonisha – Joplin
Dido’s Lament/With Drooping Wings – Dido and Aeneas - Purcell
Humming Chorus – Madama Butterfly – Puccini
Chorus of Wedding Guests – Lucia di Lammermoor – Donizetti - Plus solos and duets
Chorus:
- Maxine Anderson (soloist)
- Sheryl Ann Ashton-Creighton
- Beverley Bobb
- Denise K. Christie (Soloist)
- Glen Grant
- Valerie Grant (Soloist)
- Grace Nyandoro (Soloist)
- Charlie Phillips
- Andrée Rolle
- Toby F Scholz (Soloist)
- Rene Suite
Plus
- Accompanist Mark Kinkaid
- Chorusmaster Michael Harper
SoundLife
SoundLife London is a unique sound composition created for Leicester Square Gardens by Arts Co. and Martyn Ware. It is a unique opportunity to reveal the 3D Sound world around us in a facinating and diverse city.
For more information on the exhibition and project email: info@arts-co.com
July 2009
"This is a world-first piece of public sound art where the people are also the artists. come and hear an incredible insight into an ever-present sensory world of central London."
By Creator Martyn Ware
Conan Doyle's Double-Coded Dinosaurs: The Lost World and the Art of Popular Fiction
Monday 15 June, from 6.30 to 8.30pm
A talk by Nils Clausson, University of Regina.
Dr. Clausson will challenge the widespread assumption that The Lost World, along with much of Conan Doyle's other fiction, belongs to the sub-literary genre of popular fiction. The lecture will offer a rereading and revaluation of the novel as literary fiction by arguing that it is an anthropological romance which, like Conrad's Heart of Darkness, critiques European imperialism and questions popular assumptions about Darwinian evolution.
Dr. Clausson is the author of several articles on Conan Doyle in recent years.
Dr Elizabeth Chase, City of London guide - 'Mayfair, origins and oddities'
Tuesday 9 June, 6.00 to 7.00pm
James Dowsing - 'Mayfair, yesterday & today'
Tuesday 2 June, 6.00 to 7.00pm
BRAND YOU: Turn Your Unique Talents into a Winning Formula
Thursday 28 May, at 6.30pm
A talk by John Purkiss & David Royston-Lee
In the current environment it is not enough to be hard-working and highly qualified. You also need a strong personal brand.
As Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, once said, "Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room." John Purkiss and David Royston-Lee will talk about their new book Brand You and explain how you can build your brand based on your talents, values, purpose, skills and experience. All this will help you to stand out and be memorable. Employers and clients will ask for you.
Entry is free but please book by contacting the library, or calling in.
Find more information at www.brandyou.info
Shushanik, Queen of Armenia
A dramatic reading of a full-length play by J.E. Fairweather
Saturday 25 April 2009 3.00pm
A tale of faith, love and treachery set amidst the turmoil of the 5th Century, based on a true story.
Shushanik, Queen of Armenia, she alone stands between the freedom of Georgia/Armenia and the yoke of the Persian Empire...
Admission FREE (a collection will be taken for actor's expenses)
Please book in advance to ensure a place:
Telephone 020 7641 5250 or Email: pcollins@westminster.gov.uk
Free Coffee Compliments of Starbucks.
The Palace of Art - The Grosvenor Gallery and its Artists
a series of free illustrated talks
A series of talks on the colourful history of the Grosvenor Gallery and some of its artists. This famous gallery on New Bond Street exhibited works by some of the most important artists of the late 19th century, including
Whistler, G.F. Watts and Edward Burne-Jones.
It remains notorious as the gallery where Ruskin accused Whistler of flinging 'a pot of paint in the public's face'. To find out more, come to the remaining talks listed below:
- Tuesday 7 April 2009 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Edward Burne-Jones: magnificent dreamer
- talk by Antony Clayton, author of Decadent London
To book a place, please email referencelibrarywc2@westminster.gov.uk
or telephone 020 7641 5250.
Free Coffee Compliments of Starbucks
Talks which have already taken place in this series:
- Tuesday 17 March
G F Watts the last great Victorian
- talk by Veronica Gould, curator and biographer of Watts and his
wives Dame Ellen Terry and Mary Seton Watts - Friday 13 March
Palace of Art: the Grosvenor Gallery and its Artists
- introductory talk by Antony Clayton, author of Decadent London - Monday 30 March 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Evelyn de Morgan and women artists at the Grosvenor Gallery
- talk by Claire Longworth, Curator of the Evelyn de Morgan Foundation
Play Workshop - MONDAY - written by Gloria Williams, directed by Ellie Joseph
Monday 6 April 2009 6.00pm to 8.00pm, second floor
MONDAY, is a one-woman play that depicts a disturbing series of events that harm and eventually destroy the world of what appears to everyone else to be a typical, church-going North London family. With a poetic and rhythmic writing style, Williams evokes not only the individual emotions and journeys of the characters, but also the specific North London-'speak' of the world in which her characters live.
MONDAY will have its debut in London at the LOST Theatre One-Act Play Festival at the New End Theatre in May, followed by its New York debut at a festival at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre also in May 2009.
This exciting new play, written in urban street style will be showcased in front of an audience of amateur and professional actors, producers and directors.
ADULT THEME
Limited number of seats still available, to book please
email: rblack1@westminster.gov.uk or ring 07 940 146 681.
The Practicalities of Raising Finance
Thursday 2 April 2009 7.00pm to 8.30pm
(registration at 6.30pm)
Workshop & Seminar presented by
Sheila Elliott, Business Development & Finance Consultant
Would you like to find out how to secure finance for your business? Interest business angels? Source external investors? Avoid the pitfalls of raising finance and get advice and tips to get you started?
Then come along to this free Workshop & Seminar
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY! FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!
Please book in advance to ensure a place: Telephone 020 7641 5250 or email: bip@westminster.gov.uk
Refreshments provided.
Free Coffee Compliments of Starbucks.
Parliaments's Pictures - Art Treasures of the Palace of Westminster
Tuesday 31 March 2009 6.00pm
Talk and presentation by
Melanie Unwin, Deputy Curator of the Works of Art Collection of the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament.
Come along and find out about this unique and historically important collection of artworks documenting the history, people, buildings and activities of Parliament through history and up to the present day.
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL!
Please book in advance to ensure a place: Telephone 020 7641 5250 or
email: referencelibrarywc2@westminster.gov.uk
Refreshments provided
Free Coffee Compliments of Starbucks
English National Ballet
Wednesday 25 March
Yes, they're back by popular demand! Rachel and the team will be here for a lovely music and movement workshop.
Mothers' Day at Westminster Libraries
Wednesday 18 March
Some songs and some stories, but the best bit is making a pretty present for your Mummy for this weekend.
Cyril Shaw
12 March 2009
St John's Wood resident read from his new book, 'Clients who wants them? I do!' - a warm and humourous insight into the life of a busy accountant, with some tips on how to make tax more fun. Cyril Shaw spoke about his own professional experiences and his reasons for writing the book.
Never Again? Thinking about the Holocaust
9 March to 2 April 2009
This is the Wiener Library Travelling Exhibition which, as well as showcasing the library's holdings, looks at what issues are raised by the holocaust and genocide, questions such as:
- Have attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers changed since the 1930s?
- Does propaganda no longer exist? Or is its potential actually greater than before?
This exhibition is free and open to all.
Outside the Cradle by Linda Landers
Friday 6 March 2009
A production of the hard-hitting play set in punk era Britain.
'Above all this play is dramatic and breathtaking. You will be stunned by the simplicity of the set and the flowing poetry of the words, but above all you will be entertained and leave the theatre feeling that you've had a really good night out.'
Andrew Coxe, Camden New Journal
'Highlight of the Year' Etcetera Theatre
World Book Day
Thursday 5 March 2009
Several libraries celebrated World Book Day by having author talks, workshops and exhibitions.
Danny King
4 March 2009
To celebrate World Book Day, (well a day early) Queen's Park Library teamed up with publisher Serpent's Tail and author Danny King; who talked about the process of getting published and writing.
About Danny King
Danny King was born in Slough in 1969 and has worked as a hod carrier, postman, journalist, porn mag editor and burglar. He is the author of six previous books, the first of which he recently adapted into a sitcom for the BBC. He currently lives in north London with his wife, Jeannie (who says hello) and needs to get himself a proper job, according to his mum.
Franchising: could it be for you?
Wednesday 4 March 2009
Have you ever thought about franchising? Acquiring an 'off-the-peg' business? Would you like to find out more?
Then why not come to a franchise seminar and meet a team of experts who will answer all your questions?
Getting the Detail Right - three authors talk
Wednesday 25 February 6pm to 8pm
Come and meet Kate Furnivall, Nina Bell and Mackenzie Ford who will be discussing, and reading extracts from their latest novels. They have all written popular novels that needed a huge amount of research in fields that were completely foreign to them.
A lively evening with lots of discussion...
- Both of Kate Furnivall's books (The Russian Concubine and Under a Blood Red Sky) are set in Russia and China during the communist revolution and the author decided to delve into this portion of history to discover her own Russian ancestry.
- Nina Bell's 'The Inheritance' is based around the world of eventing - a closed world, difficult to penetrate..
- Mackenzie Ford's well-reviewed book,'The Kissing Gates' is a love story based in the First World War, the writing of which posed the question about accuracy of detail.
Spanish American Independence: the British Connection
Monday 9 February 6.30pm to 8pm
Dr Aquiles Alencar Brayner will give a talk centred on the narratives written by British travellers who went to Latin America between 1810 - 1850 and the impressions they had from the region during the period of independence.
Dr. Aquiles Alencar Brayner is the curator of the Latin American Collections at the British Library.
This talk is in conjunction with an exhibition at Westminster Reference Library of material from the British Library's Latin American Collection.
Emily Marbach
February 8 to March 8 2009
After the success of last summer, when Emily Marbach exhibited and sold one of her paintings at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, she has also shown her paintings at The Coffee Plant in Portobello Road. Emily is an American figurative artist living in London, and has not had extensive art training, having come to art in her thirties. However, she has studied for four years with London artist Kitty Stirling who emphasizes the importance of colour, line and tone in her teaching. Emily mainly paints in vivid oil on canvas and board, although at the moment, she is experimenting with acrylics on paper and collage. Her current subject is landscapes from Lakeville, Connecticut and Suffolk. She paints at her studio in Notting Hill.
Spanish American Independence
An exhibition of material from the British Library's Latin American Collection
3 - 27 February 2009
At the beginning of the 19th century, after nearly 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, wars of independence broke out in Mexico, Central and South America. These revolutions led to the formation of the 18 Spanish speaking nations we see today in Latin America.
This exhibition, used material from the British Library's Latin American Collections, focuses on the campaigns for independence in Spanish America during the 1800s and the 1820s, and the creation of the contemporary nation states in the region. It also discusses the involvement and impressions of British witnesses.
To view the British Library's online gallery see www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/spanishamericanind/homepage.html
RealDeal Theatre Sitcom Put A Smile On Your Face This Winter!
Saturday 31 January 2009
Why stay in and be a couch potato? Make us your interactive living room!
Watch six brand new sitcoms in bite-size rehearsed readings!
All acted out live by talented actors! Have a laugh, give us your feedback - and we might even give you refreshments!
Ben Reynolds - Starting up: from concept to trading
Thursday 29 January 2009
Got a business idea? Just starting out? Then join us for a talk by
Ben Reynolds, successful entrepreneur, who has been there and done that!
Get valuable tips on researching your business, writing a business plan, securing finance and much more…
Just what do you have to do to get into Who's Who? (and can you get out of it?)
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Richard Fitzwilliams, veteran editor of International Who's Who, explores anecdotes of inclusion and exclusion in the ultimate A List
PLUS
Brief Lives Online, librarian Owen Grey's rough guide to premium biographical websites freely available through Westminster Libraries
TWENTY10 Exhibition
19 Jan until 31 Jan 2009
First Year MA Communication Design students from Central Saint Martins explore ideas and notions of the term 'Twenty10', using a variety of media.
Working across photography, illustration, graphic design and digital media - the group explore various subjects; among them how analog media such as books and posters are being reinterpreted in a digital age.
The exhibition was launched on 19 Jan 7.30-9.00pm with a private view, a party and a talk by multidisciplinary artist Nicola Barker.
http://twenty10exhibition.blogspot.com
English National Opera visit Westminster Libraries
In January and February 2009, English National Opera presented a series of six interactive, opera-inspired performances, based on Hansel & Gretel, for children under five. Those taking part included Hazel Gould as storyteller, Sam Glazer on cello and Penny Manser as soprano. Libraries taking part included...
Chinese New-year Book Exhibition and Sale
Charing Cross library held this exhibition in January 2009. It consisted of:
- Thousands of new books being displayed
- About 2000 withdraw books going on sale
- Chinese musicians playing traditional Chinese music
- A raffle giving away yet more books
The Native Spirit Art Collective
January 2009
Works of art exhibited as part of the Native Spirit Art Collective are produced by various indigenous & other artists, & sold in support of the Native Spirit Foundation, with a minimum of 10% of profits funding the charities work, although many of the artist contribute a substantially higher percentage.
The Native Spirit Foundation is a charitable organisations that works with indigenous communities throughout the Americas & worldwide, providing support & grants for Education projects & Indigenous schools. The Native Spirit Foundation also works to promote indigenous cultures by organising projects & hosting events such as the annual Native Spirit Festival which introduces European audiences to the riches of Amerindian traditions, cultures & artistic expressions, as well as highlighting some of the human rights & environmental issues that are being faced by indigenous communities throughout the world, today.
For more information on the Native Spirit Foundation please visit: www.nativespiritfoundation.com
Artists:
Freddy Treuquil
Freddy is a well-established Indigenous artist, filmmaker & poet, his work comprised sculptures & mosaics made from entirely recycled materials. He has also been a long-standing & prominent spokesperson for his Mapuche community in Chile where he has been involved in various television & radio series' concerning indigenous issues.
Paz Treuquil
Paz's oil paintings reflect the influences of her culture, inspired by the traditions, customs & histories of her indigenous community & the Cosmo vision of the Mapuche people these paintings incorporate the significant of the Mother Earth and celebrate indigenous peoples harmonious existence as a part of nature.
Jemmais Keval
Inspired by the use of symbology within indigenous cultures Jemmais creates unique, one off designs in cross stitch & embroidery.
Relmu
Relmu (Ruben Lopez Moraga), recreates traditional aspects of indigenous life in oil, panting cultural activities & pastimes, as well as branching out into abstract & conceptual forms of expression.
The work exhibited also includes textiles, hand-woven by women in the indigenous Wayuu & Mayan communities of Venezuela & Guatemala.
Faith Exchange Art Competition: My Faith, My Life
January 2009
This exhibition was formed of artwork from children aged 10 years and under, 11 - 14 years, 15 - 19 years, and looked at what their respective religions meant to them; whether it was helping people, the places of worship, praying, etc. It provides a fascinating insight into what faith means to children and the diversity that exists within the city.
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