Nowadays, we tend to think of Bloomsbury as an upmarket central London neighborhood: smart and residential. In the early 1900s, however, this group of Georgian squares became the epicentre of radical thinking. A group of writers, philosophers and artists populated the area – among them Vanessa Bell, E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry.
Bloomsbury’s creative spark has been all but snuffed by the businesses and the super-wealthy that have moved into its historic squares. There is one building, though, where a literary flame burns on.
Bloomsbury London Talks
The Bloomsbury Institute is a kind of writers’ clubhouse, hosting lovely little salons with Bloomsbury authors. Guests have an opportunity to meet their favourite writers and discuss their favourite books, in a relaxed setting and over a complimentary glass of wine.
Upcoming Bloomsbury Events
Bedford Square plays host to crime capers, politics and the Olympics this summer.
On 10 May, the Guardian columnist and author Erwin James, will discuss his powerful new memoir, Redeemable with Duncan Campbell, former chief crime correspondent for the Guardian. After a turbulent childhood, James was jailed for life in 1984. Imprisoned at 27, he struggled until he met a prison psychologist who helped him understand his past and move onto a successful career as a journalist. Expect searing, intimate discussion.
On 22 June, the best-selling author of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Kate Summerscale is talking to renowned literary journalist Alex Clark about her buzzed-about new book The Wicked Boy. The book explores the mysterious true story of Robert Coombes and his brother Nattie, who were accused of killing their mother in Victorian London. Summerscale will be discussing her crime novel – which John Le Carre calls a ‘beautiful piece' – and signing copies.
For
sporting fans, sports journalists Simon Barnes and Emma John (deputy editor of
the Observer Magazine) will discuss
their love of the game and new memoirs on 16 June. And there’ll be a political edge on
June 20, when an esteemed panel discussion including Geoffrey Van Orden and Jonathan Portes will discuss Brexit.
| What | Bloomsbury Institute Bookclub |
| Where | Bloomsbury Institute, 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Russell Square (underground) |
| When |
05 May 16 – 22 Jun 16, Drinks from 6pm and talk from 6:30pm to 7.45pm |
| Price | £10 (Students £6 Friends of the Bloomsbury Institute £7) |
| Website | Click here to book via Bloomsbury's website |
