Afternoon events, Talks & lectures

‘Idlers of the Enlightenment’: A Symposium with Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson, QI’s Director of Information John Mitchinson, and writer Mark Vernon. Learn about the lesser-known works and hitherto concealed philosophy of ‘idlerism’ as espoused by philosophers and writers such as Rousseau and Dr Johnson – diminishing any…

A series of free talks taking place on Wednesday lunchtimes in various Aberdeen museums. Booking essential for talks at the Maritime Museum.

Regular talks on museum staff's favourite objects from the collection.

Composer Tod Machover, conductor Peter Oundjian and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra take us through the creation of a new piece of music celebrating the City of Edinburgh and its Festival and co-created by members of the public.

In this workshop led by Chris Speed, you can play at 3D Chinese whispers, adapting objects and artefacts using time-lapse technology until they no longer resemble their original form.

Learn more about a specific component of Glasgow Museums' vast collection from an expert on the subject. Booking is essential.

The RBGE Research Associate looks at the work of Henry Bradbury and other nature printers in this illustrated talk. Booking is essential.

A series of discussions examining various aspects of cinema.

Gain some insight into a topic that affects everyone, with Dr Shona Hilton of the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit.

Professor of Epistemics Jon Oberlander, Professor of Composition and Electroacoustic Composition Peter Nelson, and Chris Speed of the Edinburgh College of Art discuss historical, conceptual and philosophical relationships between the performing arts and technology. Chaired by theatre specialist Olga Taxidou.

Derval Tubridy, Goldsmiths, University of London, explores the vibrant interplay between Samuel Beckett’s work and contemporary art with a particular focus on bodies and technology. Chaired by Octavian Saiu.

Producer of the Beckett on Film project, Michael Colgan discusses the challenges in creating this extraordinary film collection.

Ever thought about keeping bees? Come along and meet members of the Borders Beekeepers Association and discover why so many people are taking up this ancient and rewarding activity.

Ever thought about keeping bees? Come along and meet members of the Borders Beekeepers Association and discover why so many people are taking up this ancient and rewarding activity.

A neuroscientist and a designer describe the many ways that bees inspire them in their work and everyday lives. Richard Clarke is director of Beautiful Mind at Lottolab, a hybrid Neuroscience/design studio. Clarke has developed a model system for visual processing. He has published work on how brains create meaning…

The phenomenon of urban beekeeping is hooking city dwellers from London to New York and Melbourne. Alison Benjamin and Brian McCallum's book Bees in the City - The Urban Beekepeers' Handbook introduces us to this new breed of apiarists, the places they keep bees and their motivations for having hives. Get handy tips…

The 2009 Beer Writer of the Year shares his vast knowledge of the golden stuff, looking back to the time of the George Inn in South London – otherwise known as the choice pub of the Bard himself – as illuminated in Brown's latest book, Shakespeare's Local. Ticket price includes a ha' pint of some specially brewed Bookworm…

Kate Rawles talks about her 4500 mile cycle along the spine of the Rocky Mountains to explore North American responses to climate change.

Learn more about creepy crawlies on this bug spotting bonanza for National Insect Week.

Choreographer and solo performer Gerhart Bonher on the making of Im (Goldenen) Schnitt I.

The children's book illustrator sits down with Vivian French to talk about the more than 200 books he's illustrator. Suitable for all ages!