Featured Zoom Lectures

Introducing the Ghost Club (1882–1936) – a Zoom talk with Roger Luckhurst

Professor Roger Luckhurst explores the history of London's famous 1882 Ghost Club.

Quatermass at 70 and humanity’s future – a Zoom talk with Jon Dear

Jon Dear leads us through the work of Nigel Kneale, one of Britain’s most significant screenwriters of the 20th century – the creator of Professor Bernard Quatermass

Inventing the Green Man – a Zoom talk with Dr Alex Woodcock

In this illustrated Zoom talk Dr Alex Woodcock will explore one of the most familiar images from medieval art.

Love & Fornication in Norwegian Folk Magic – Erik Storesund

Learn about the techniques that young women employed to divine the identity of their future spouses, and the various ingredients, rites and dirty tricks

The Templars and the Crusades – Professor Helen Nicholson

This talk will focus on the Templars: their beginnings, their role in the crusades and the crusader states, and their final heroic defence

LSD and Conspiracy Theories: A Secret History – Alan Piper

This lecture will explore the interesting history of theories and conspiracies surrounding the origins of LSD and early stories

Upcoming Zoom Lectures

Leonora Carrington in Spain by Carlos Martin

Curator Carlos Martin will discuss Leonora Carrington's retrospective in Madrid.

The Concealed Revealed: The Magic of Shoes Rebecca Shawcross

She will explore the fascinating practise of deliberately hiding boots and shoes in buildings for no obvious practical purpose

The Exeter Book Riddles – Dr Jennifer Neville

This talk will introduce the manuscript context of the Exeter riddle collection and then explore a series of sample texts

Magic & Witchcraft in Ancient Greece & Rome – Prof. Marguerite Johnson – 7 Lecture Course

In this special seven-part course, Marguerite Johnson takes us on a magical mystery tour of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome

Quatermass at 70 and humanity’s future – a Zoom talk with Jon Dear

Jon Dear leads us through the work of Nigel Kneale, one of Britain’s most significant screenwriters of the 20th century – the creator of Professor Bernard Quatermass

Cunning Conjurations: Spirit Calling in English Folk Magic – Al Cummins

In this class, contemporary cunning man and historian Dr Alexander Cummins will present not only the history and theory of such practices

Cornish legends and healthcare – Charlotte MacKenzie – Zoom Lecture

This talk describes interconnections between some of these legends, historical individuals, and healthcare in Georgian Cornwall.

Surrealism and the American West: Breton’s “Hopi Notebook” – Kate Conlan

André Breton’s visit to the Hopi villages of Arizona in 1945 had an impact on his view of the world and of the objects he collected

Sámi Joik and Shamanism – Lena Heide-Brennand

This lecture is dedicated to the bedazzling and fascinating Sámi musical tradition- Joik. What is the story behind the Joik?

Introducing the Ghost Club (1882–1936) – a Zoom talk with Roger Luckhurst

Professor Roger Luckhurst explores the history of London's famous 1882 Ghost Club.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Dread: A Tour of Life Events via Horror Fiction – Rebecca Gibson

This talk will explore that horrific banality, the dreary darkness, the terrifying mundanity of everyday life through examining four pieces

“I’d rather take a picture than be one”: Lee Miller by Ami Bouhassane

Lee Miller (1907-1977) was a fashion model, a photo-journalist and an artist who captured extraordinary moments of modern life.

Incendiary Behaviour: Ritual Building Protection Through Pyro-Technology by Wayne Perkins

For the last 25 years archaeologists have been recording taper burn marks on Medieval and historic building timbers.

Cuts and Controversy in Pre-Code Hollywood Horror: The Case of James Whale’s Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein – Fran Pheasant-Kelly

This talk addresses the cuts and controversy associated with James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Fairies & The Witches Who Loved Them – Professor Diane Purkiss

In this talk, I will tell you the truth about fairies in the British Isles. It's a truth known to some of our ancestors

Tales of Wonder & Enchantment From The Arabian Nights by Viktor Wynd/Zoom

Let master storyteller join you for a nightcap, tuck you into bed and tell you bedtime stories, full of wonder from The Arabian Nights

Goddesses of Sex & War – Professor Ronald Hutton – Zoom Lecture

This talk is devoted to a particular form of ancient pagan goddess, one who is at the same time associated with love and sex, and with warfare

Candle Magic as Practical Spellwork – Lucya Starza

The talk will then explore ways of expanding the art using moon phases, colour, anointing oils, scent and other magical symbolism.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Adventure of the Cottingley Fairies – Merrick Burrow

In this talk Dr Merrick Burrow, Head of English and History at the University of Huddersfield and an expert on Conan Doyle

Cunning Is As Cunning Knows: Folk Divinations of the British Isles – Al Cummins

In this class, contemporary cunning man, diviner, and historian Dr Alexander Cummins will present not only the history and theory of such practices

Somerset Folk Tales – Sharon Jacksies

Sharon Jacksies will tell tales from her collection of Somerset Folk Tales published by the History Press

Rosaleen Norton: Pan’s Daughter: Presentation by Julia Phillips

In this presentation, illustrated with her artwork, photos, video, and newspaper clippings, Julia Phillips explores Norton’s early life

Gef the Talking Mongoose – a Zoom talk with Christopher Josiffe

"I am a ghost in the form of a mongoose, and I shall haunt you with weird noises..." Find out about the Isle of Man's most-famous spook in this Zoom talk with Christopher Josiffe.

Ghosts in Antiquity and in Magic – Prof Marguerite Johnson

In this special seven-part course, Marguerite Johnson takes us on a magical mystery tour of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome

Geomitica – the Mythology of Shape – Adrian Fisher

It creatively combines surface shapes with artistic and allegorical narrative. Parables and symbolism abound.

Tales of Hidden Bulgaria, by a Spell In Time

Unique British-Bulgarian storytelling company, A Spell In Time, tells extraordinary tales from the hidden magical world of Bulgarian myth

Stone Club: Rediscovering Ancient Sites – Lally MacBeth and Matthew Shaw

In this talk Lally & Matthew will take you on a journey through the history of Stone Club exploring along the way the resurgence of interest

Sekhmet: The Revival of an Ancient Egyptian Goddess – Ronnie Pontiac

We'll ponder the nuances of deities, metaphors, egregores, and archetypes, and how they relate to what Robert Anton Wilson called reality tunnels.

Return of Holy Russia by Gary Lachman

my talk will look at the roots of Putin’s attempt to solve a post-Soviet Russia’s identity crisis

Supernatural Tales from Scotland – Allison Galbraith

Allison shares stories from the River Clyde. Known as Clutha, an ancient Pagan goddess worshipped for her cleansing powers by the Celtic

Norwegian Fairy Tales by Viktor Wynd on Zoom

This evening Mr.Wynd will choose some of his favourite Norwegian tales, strange tales filled with Trolls, that, as a rule are not very nice,

From Buttons to Bowls: Isabella Smith on Ceramicist Lucie Rie

In this exciting new introduction by Isabella Smith, Lucie Rie’s tumultuous life is explored through her extraordinary work.

Ancient Pagan Werewolf Cults and Their influence on the ‘witch cults’ of Medieval Europe – Denny Sargent

This presentation begins with documented prehistoric werewolf cults and Pagan werewolf shape shifting practices

The Museum of Drugs: Under the Influence – a history of drug use from early evolution to criminalisation – Ben Curran

The Museum of Drugs: Under the Influence - a history of drug use from early evolution to criminalisation

By Stone and By Call: Scrying in English Magic – Al Cummins

Join us as we explore not only the history and theory but also the practices of early modern scrying.

Radical Dreams and Chicago Surrealism: A Conversation with Penelope Rosemont, Abigail Susik, and Elliott H. King

The conversation will cover topics relevant to the display of Chicago surrealist pamphlets and posters at the current "Surrealism Beyond Borders" exhibition at the Tate Modern

Spell Books in the Ancient World – Prof Marguerite Johnson

In this special seven-part series, Marguerite Johnson takes us on a magical mystery tour of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome

Dead Letters: Writers and Suicide by Gary Lachman

My talk, based on my book Dead Letters: The Dedalus Book of Literary Suicides

Inventing the Green Man – a Zoom talk with Dr Alex Woodcock

In this illustrated Zoom talk Dr Alex Woodcock will explore one of the most familiar images from medieval art.

Borneo Fairy Tales by Viktor Wynd on Zoom

This evening Mr. Wynd will tells some his favourite tales he first heard in Borneo some years ago, disgusting, macabre and delightful tales

Nina Hamnett: Life or Art? The Challenge of Writing about Women Artists by Alicia Foster

Nina Hamnett (1890–1956) was an artist, illustrator and writer who was associated with the bohemian and avant-garde circles of the London

An Introduction to Witch Bottles: Decoys, Spirit Traps or Counter – Witchcraft Measure? by Wayne Perkins

This illustrated talk will act as both an introduction to the current understanding of their use

Forgotten Alchemists, Ritual Magicians, and Balloonists of London: Introducing Margaret and George Graham – Dan Harms

The husband and wife duo of Margaret and George Graham were two of London's most famous balloonists.

Winnie The Pooh – Professor Ronald Hutton – Zoom Lecture

This talk is designed to introduce readers to his often rather dark story, and complex character

Cunning Nigromancy: Goetia & ‘Unclean’ Spiritwork in English Folk Magic

Finally, we will go over some fundamental advice for making wise decisions in proceeding with such dark crafts in one’s own sorcerous work.

Amulets in the Ancient World: – Prof Marguerite Johnson

In this special seven-part series, Marguerite Johnson takes us on a magical mystery tour of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome

Folktales of Fools & Wisemen – Michael O’Connor

In this talk he invites us to relax and enjoy a selection of such tales from the British Isles

Love & Fornication in Norwegian Folk Magic – Erik Storesund

Learn about the techniques that young women employed to divine the identity of their future spouses, and the various ingredients, rites and dirty tricks

Sámi Gods and Mythical Creatures – Lena Heide-Brennand

This lecture will be your portal into the distant past, the arctic world of mysteries and beings as dreamlike as the nature in which they were created. Bures boahtima to all.

LSD and Conspiracy Theories: A Secret History – Alan Piper

This lecture will explore the interesting history of theories and conspiracies surrounding the origins of LSD and early stories

The Women of James Bond: Femmes Fatale, Toads, and Birds with Wings Down by Deborah Lipp

How were women portrayed in the Ian Fleming novels, and how did that change in the films?

The Templars and the Crusades – Professor Helen Nicholson

This talk will focus on the Templars: their beginnings, their role in the crusades and the crusader states, and their final heroic defence

Welsh Fairy Tales from The Mabinogi by Viktor Wynd on Zoom

This evening Mr. Wynd will tell some of his favourite Welsh tales, the ancient tales from The Mabinogion featuring a maiden made of flowers, a horse that can not be caught

“Man, woman or vegetable growth?” Lucy Howarth on Rediscovering Marlow Moss

Marlow Moss (1889–1958) was a British Constructivist artist and a central figure in the development of European non-figurative art.

Potions (pharmakeia) of the Ancient World – Prof Marguerite Johnson

In this special seven-part series, Marguerite Johnson takes us on a magical mystery tour of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome

Welsh Fairy Tales from The Mabinogi by Viktor Wynd on Zoom

This evening Mr. Wynd will tell some of his favourite Welsh tales, the ancient tales from The Mabinogion featuring a maiden made of flowers, a horse that can not be caught

Circus Troupes and Parachutes: The Many Lives of Laura Knight with Alice Strickland

Laura Knight (1877–1970) was an English Realist painter who documented life and culture in Britain during the first half of the twentieth century.

The History of the Cornish Language: From the Romans to the death of Dolly Pentreath in 1777 – Kensa Broadhurst

This talk examines the political, social, and economic reasons why the Cornish language retreated; how events in wider Europe affected life

The Tools of the Ancient Magical Practitioner – Prof Marguerite Johnson

In this special seven-part series, Marguerite Johnson takes us on a magical mystery tour of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome

Reynard the Fox – Trickster Fairy Tales by Viktor Wynd on Zoom

This evening Mr. Wynd will tell some takes of the Medieval trickster Reynard the Fox and how he does horrible things to his supposed friends

The Wind in the Willows – Professor Ronald Hutton – Zoom Lecture

This talk looks at how and why it came to be written, and at the story of Grahame himself, the outwardly boring and conventional bank clerk who created it

A Hat for Eating Bouillabaisse: The Surreal world of Eileen Agar by Laura Smith

Eileen Agar was an artist who explored painting, photography, collage and sculpture. Her independent and inventive experiments

Magic in Greek and Roman Literature – Prof Marguerite Johnson

In this special seven-part series, Marguerite Johnson takes us on a magical mystery tour of magic and witchcraft in ancient Greece and Rome

Pin buttons and Protests: Katy Norris on the Art of Sylvia Pankhurst

Sylvia Pankhurst was raised in a socialist household and sought to lead a creative life.

The Origins of the Vampire – Professor Ronald Hutton – Zoom Lecture

This talk is designed to show how it was created, and dispersed, and to reveal the rich literary tradition that it had inspired by the nineteenth century

The Meaning of Hair in the Ancient Mediterranean – Professor Marguerite Johnson

This talk discusses the various meanings of hair in both Greek and Roman warfare

Model turned artist: Sara Cooper on Eileen Mayo

Eileen Mayo (1906–94) was a dedicated and multi-talented artist – at once a painter, print-maker, tapestry designer, engraver and illustrator

Modern Vampires – Professor Ronald Hutton – Zoom Lecture

This talk is designed to show why this is, and what forms it takes. Three patterns are very clear.

Past Lectures

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit

The Spiritualism Symposium: The Moment of Revelation – Joscelyn Godwin, Ph.D

The Spiritualism Symposium by Shannon Taggart : The Moment of Revelation: Cases from New York's ‘Burned-Over District’ - Joscelyn Godwin

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit

Summoning the Spirits – Online Seance with Medium Patti Negri

Join psychic medium Patti Negri for an intimate online seance where each participant will have the chance to summon a specific spirit