The London Luminaries is a group of historic organisations who collaboratively work together to share knowledge and ideas about heritage.
London was the epicentre of commerce and wealth, thanks to the River Thames which attracted royalty, aristocrats, artists, writers and wealthy property owners. A legacy of these luminaries is an area exceptionally rich in heritage buildings, gardens and landscapes. Drawing on the success of our Thames and Twickenham Luminaries virtual lecture series, Pope’s Grotto Preservation Trust and English Heritage’s Marble Hill, with other local heritage organisations, have organised a series of twelve free virtual talks over two seasons beginning in October. Acknowledged experts will explore, explain and offer insights about a luminary and their connection to Poets, Princes, Politicians or Painters. There will be talks about the occupants and their relationships with Kew Palace, Garrick’s Temple, Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, Ham House and Garden, Boston Manor, Orleans House, Pope’s Grotto, Chiswick House, Marble Hill, Hogarth’s House, Strawberry Hill, Turner’s House, Gunnersbury Park and House, and Fulham Palace.
Each 20-minute talk will be delivered using Zoom and will begin at 7 p.m. They will be chaired by Professor Judith Hawley of the Department of English, Royal Holloway, University of London. Time will be allowed for questions and answers at the end. The events will end at or before 8 pm. Attendees will be sent a Zoom link by email about an hour before each talk begins.
Tickets are free but we encourage you to make a £5 donation for each talk, if you are able, which will be divided equally between the twelve participating organisations.
These events are supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The London Luminaries are a registered charity
Charity Commission for England and Wales registration number 1196221
London Luminaries 