events

This month in our gallery: recent works by Helen Minns.

Helen works across painting, drawing and printmaking. These recent works explore the relationship between landscape, memory and abstraction, inspired by daily walks through local nature reserves and urban woodlands, including Nunhead Cemetery and One Tree Hill. Through observation and imagination Helen traces a journey between the natural and the invented world. Shapes and surfaces evolve through layering, improvisation and the quiet unpredictability of mark-making. The forest, in particular, has become a metaphor for the creative process itself - constantly shifting, shaped by the unseen, and alive with hidden energies. These pieces capture something of the state: half-mapped, half-discovered, alive with gesture and texture. Rather than presenting finished landscapes, the work invites viewers into a space of becoming - a reflection of both the seen environment and the inner terrain of memory and imagination. Free.

Join author John Rees  to celebrate the launch of his book!

The thrilling history of Parliament’s ‘fiery spirits’, whose actions led to the defeat of Charles I in the English Civil War and paved the way for the execution of the King in 1649

The Fiery Spirits tells the story of the MPs in parliament and the protestors in the streets who played a pivotal role in the English Civil Wars. Through their stories, John Rees reveals the hidden history of the republicans who brought a desperate nation to the brink of revolution.

At the start of the English Civil Wars, very few could have imagined that the country would soon become a republic. Practically alone in his republicanism was Henry Marten, MP and future regicide. But he soon gathered around him a group of radical Parliamentarians that included William Strode, the parliamentary firebrand, Alexander Rigby, the formidable soldier, and Sir Peter Wentworth, descendant of a long line of opponents of monarchy. They formed the nucleus of a group that allied itself to a popular movement outside parliament to defeat the king politically and militarily.

In The Fiery Spirits, Rees tells how Marten and his radical allies overcame both moderate Parliamentarians and Royalists to change the face of England forever, establishing a kingdom without a crown.

 John Rees is an historian, broadcaster and campaigner. He is coauthor of A People's History of London and author of The Leveller Revolution and Timelines: A Political History of the Modern World, among other titles. He is a Visiting Research Fellow at Goldsmith's, University of London and a National Officer of the Stop the War Coalition. 

This workshop will introduce participants to upcycling through weaving with repurposed fabric. The session will encourage sustainable creativity, demonstrating how discarded textiles can be transformed into unique woven pieces. This workshop will provide an accessible and engaging experience and is suitable for all age groups, with any level of experience. 

Join author Misitia Ravaloson to celebrate the release of her novel The Eucalyptus Tree. Free event!

The Eucalyptus Tree follows two parallel stories: one set in Madagascar, the other in London, seen through the eyes of a young Malagasy girl. It offers a rare glimpse into Malagasy culture and traditions, and a fresh perspective on life in London from someone discovering it for the first time. At its heart, it’s a moving story about resilience, family, and the fight to break free from a cycle of struggle.

Misitia Ravaloson is a writer originally from Madagascar, now living in the U.K. She studied Journalism and currently works as a Senior SEO Manager. Misitia writes with heart, drawing deep inspiration from her roots, her lived experiences, and the people she loves most. Her signature as an author is to shine a light on Madagascar, an island so often overlooked in fiction and literature, yet rich with stories, culture, and resilience that deserve to be heard. 

For more than a year The All Good Sound Workshop has been meeting at the shop for evenings of fearless experimentation in music, raw sound and all areas in between. Until now this group has been private but tonight you can join us for a participatory session involving a range of approaches to free improvisation. All invited and bring your voice!

Join festival headlining tellers Minnie Wilkinson and Aaron Oliver for an extra special additional afternoon story session for children! 

Ready to turn your writing dream into a published reality but don’t know where to begin? Have you finished a manuscript and wonder what’s next?

Join editorial consultant and editor Rali Chorbadzhiyska for a practical, encouraging workshop that demystifies the path to publication. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional publishing deal or exploring alternative routes, this session will walk you through key stages in the writer’s journey – from polishing your manuscript to understanding submission strategies and industry expectations. To make the most of your attendance, please bring any questions you may have as the session will finish with a Q&A. And get ready to take the next step in your writing journey with confidence!

Rali Chorbadzhiyska is an editorial consultant at Rali Editorial, specialising in helping authors refine and elevate their work through expert and supportive editorial guidance. She also works with publishers to offer experienced help in the editorial process. Rali has previously worked at Penguin Random House, Faber and Canongate, and she is driven by a passion for excellent storytelling and the desire to help talented writers succeed. She can be found at www.RaliEditorial.com and @reading.rali. 

This workshop introduces participants to the art of bookbinding through hands-on experience. You’ll learn how to make your own hand-stitched notebook using traditional techniques and beautiful materials. The session will explore how craftsmanship and creativity come together in the process of making something both practical and personal. Suitable for beginners and anyone curious about handmade books, this workshop offers a calm, creative space to slow down and enjoy tactile making. All materials provided.