This talk will explore how the objects history leaves behind can be used to explore the world they existed in. Using forensic analysis to look for hidden clues inside early C18th mass-manufactured watches – practising-watchmaker Rebecca Struthers will reveal the moment access to portable time started its journey towards democratisation. By weaving the physical evidence in with archival sources, this talk will explore the transformative social impact watches had in the UK during the Industrial Revolution.
Rebecca is a multi-award winning watchmaker and researcher. She co-founded Struthers Watchmakers in 2012 with her husband and fellow horologist Craig and, in 2017, became the first watchmaker in British history to earn a PhD in the field of horology. Her work has earned international acclaim and recognition resulting in her recent book deal to write a history of horology. Called Hands of Time, the book is scheduled for release in 2022 by Hodder (UK), HarperCollins (US), Penguin Verlag (Germany) and Garzanti (Italy).
Date: 12 February 2021
Time: 11.00 – 13.00 GMT
In this lecture and workshop Antonio will introduce you to his artistic and curatorial practice, with a focus on how artists working digitally are coming into conflict with archaic and outdated copyight laws and ideas of ownership.
Antonio Roberts is an artist and curator based in Birmingham, UK, working primarily with video, code, and sound. He is critically engaged with the themes surrounding network culture and in his practice explores how technology continues to shape ideas of creation, ownership, and authorship. As a performing visual artist and musician he utilises live coding techniques to demystify technology and reveal its design decisions, limitations, and creative potential.
His work has been featured at galleries and festivals including databit.me in Arles, France (2012), Glitch Moment/ums at Furtherfield Gallery, London (2013), Loud Tate: Code at Tate Britain (2014), glitChicago at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago, US (2014), Permission Taken at Birmingham Open Media and University of Birmingham (2015-2016), Common Property at Jerwood Arts, London (2016), Ways of Something at Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2017), Green Man Festival, Wales (2017), Barbican, London (2018), Copy / Paste at the Victoria and Albert Museum (2019) and We Are Your Friends at Czurles Nelson Gallery, Buffalo, US (2019).
Date: 26 February 2021
Time: 11.00 – 13.00 GMT
An introductory talk on iron gall ink – the main ink of the medieval period used for manuscripts and charters. This talk will give information on the history of the ink from antiquity up to the present day, discuss the nature of the oak gall wasp and the many types of ink they produce. This will be followed by a demonstration on how to make the ink. 
Sara Charles is a book historian at the University of London. She uses ‘historical remaking’, to recreate manuscript production techniques to understand the practices of the past. This methodology feeds into the codicological elements of her PhD on medieval martyrologies.
Workshop 4: Japanese Cherry Blossom with Royal School of Needlework Tutor, Auburn Claire Lucas
Worked on blue cotton, this is a simple but stunning embroidery kit that covers 3 techniques. The aim is to repeat the three stitches teaching you to be accurate and consistent when stitching, whilst being creative at the same time!Kits will be sent out to attendees prior to the event. Booking closes 16th April 2021.
Workshop 5: Becket and Canterbury Cathedral
Date: Friday 25th June
Time: 14:00 – 16:00 GMT
Come and join us on Friday 25 June at Canterbury Cathedral where we will be looking at the legacy of St Thomas Becket. We will explore the treasures of the Cathedral and the Miracle Windows under the expert guidance of Dr. Emily Guerry. Emily is a Director of the Centre for Medieval & Early Modern Studies (MEMS) and Senior Lecturer in European History at the University of Kent.
The day will begin at 2pm and will include a tour of the Cathedral. Limited to 10 participants.