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Pet Cemeteries: How We Came to Bury Our Non-human Friends – Paul Koudounaris – Zoom

 

Pet Cemeteries: How We Came to Bury Our Best Nonhuman Friends

When a little dog named Cherry died in 1881, his owners arranged for a grave in a nearby gatekeeper’s garden in London. At this time, the idea that a pet, even one that had lived as a family member, might be given a dignified burial was considered comical. But when other pet owners followed suit, the world’s first urban pet cemetery was born. More soon followed, and the idea eventually spread throughout the world. The talk will detail the history—always touching, oft times comical, and sometimes weird—of the people who fought to give birth to the ideal that an animal that has been loved as a family deserves the same care and dignity in death.

Paul Koudounaris has a PhD in Art History from UCLA. He is the author of three books on the visual culture of death, Empire of Death, Heavenly Bodies, and Memento Mori, as well as a history of domestic felines, A Cat’s Tale, co-written by his cat Baba, and named a Barnes and Noble Book of the Year in 2020. Faithful Unto Death, his book on pet cemeteries and animal burials, the world’s first definitive history of the subject, was published in October, 2024.

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Witches, Wassail & Deadly Distilling: A Spirited Talk & Tasting with Wet Ink x Millie Milliken LIVE

Witches, Wassail & Deadly Distilling: Dispelling witchcraft’s storied relationship with drinks with Millie Milliken x Wet Ink

Wassail, whisky, witch’s brew: the world of witchcraft is fascinatingly intertwined with those of brewing and distilling. From the infamous (and some lesser-known) deadly witch trials, to superstitions, their symbolic richness and the life of a modern-day witch, their history and impact on culture have many stories to tell.

Luckily these stories are being told more and more, in books, talks and tastings, and so inspired by the likes of the wonderful ‘Whisky & Witches’ and ‘Girly Drinks’, we’ll dispel what we think we know about this fascinating community and highlight some of its most prolific characters. We’ll also explore witches in the context of drinks making – and celebrate the ways in which witches also use drinks in their practice.

Tickets: £25 (to include welcome cocktail, talk, and tasting of 5 spirits)

When: Monday 18 November, 6.30pm-9pm

MORE DETAILS ON THE SPIRITS INCLUDED IN THE TASTING WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

EVENT SCHEDULE

  • Doors open: 6:30pm bar opens with special themed cocktail menu
  • Talk & Tasting: 7pm – 8pm including a Q&A
  • Cocktails & Curiosities: 8pm-9pm bar reopens for cocktails and guests are invited to visit the museum during this time.

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Wet Ink x The Last Tuesday Society

To mark the launch of her new content, event and tastings company, Wet Ink, spirits and cocktail writer Millie Milliken has joined forces with home of Devil’s Botany, The Last Tuesday Society, for a series of talks that combine her love of drinks with their sometimes offbeat and unusual cultural histories.

There’ll be welcome drinks and themed cocktails from the team at The Last Tuesday Society, themed playlist links too and a chance to discover some of the spirits linked to the topics.

Millie Milliken 

Millie Milliken is an award-winning spirits and cocktail writer whose work has been published in the likes of the Evening Standard, Club Oenologique and Wallpaper*. Through her new content, events and tasting company Wet Ink, Milliken wants to tell more stories about spirits and cocktails that don’t normally ever get told. From mermaids, to cowgirls, tarot to witchcraft, she takes a different angle to educating consumers about the magical world of drinks.

Witchy Wednesdays: Devil’s Botany Absinthe Tasting

Witchy Wednesdays: Devil’s Botany Absinthe Masterclass

A Halloween Special Absinthe Masterclass & Tasting with Devil’s Botany

Channel the powers of the so-called Green Devil this Halloween! Join Devil’s Botany on a special absinthe tasting hosted at The Last Tuesday Society. After the event, guests are invited to stay in The Absinthe Parlour and explore The Season of the Witch cocktail menu, including White Magic, Black Magic & the Scale of Dragon Absinthe.

There will be two tasting times:
First tasting: 19:00-20:00
Second tasting: 20:30-21:30

Tickets include a London Absinthe cocktail, a glass of Absinthe Regalis served with the traditional Absinthe fountain and a glass of the devilishly delicious Chocolate Absinthe Liqueur. Tickets also include admission to the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Unnatural History.

Reservations are recommended for drinks in The Absinthe Parlour after the event. Please email [email protected].

WICKED WEDNESDAYS

Explore the wicked world of spirits at The Last Tuesday Society with a Wednesday night tasting & masterclass series delving into a different spirit category each month.

Event is suitable for 18+ over only. Please contact [email protected] with any questions, allergies or dietary requirements.

Devil’s Botany is the UK’s first Absinthe distillery, founded by Directors of The Last Tuesday Society. Distilled with a background in mixology, the award-winning Devil’s Botany range of absinthes and absinthe liqueurs has been expertly crafted for cocktails at their distillery in East London. Celebrating absinthe as a muse in art, music and mixology, Devil’s Botany is unleashing the future of absinthe with bold expressions for the adventurous drinkers and alternative thinkers of today.

The Absinthe Parlour at The Last Tuesday Society is an award-winning cocktail bar hidden within The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities. A drinker’s cabinet of wonder filled with unusual spirits, from the old world and new, together in one curious exhibition of extraordinary elixirs —The Last Tuesday Society’s Absinthe Parlour is truly a hidden treasure of East London. Opened by collectors, drinks historians & absintheurs — Allison Crawbuck (Brooklyn) & Rhys Everett (London) in 2016, the duo bring with them a shared passion for the mysterious world of spirits & the macabre.

Shortlisted “Bar of the Year 2024” — The Spirits Business
Voted “Best Bar in London” – DesignMyNight Awards 2019

Refund Policy: Refunds for in-person events are only possible up to 7 days prior to the event date.

The History of the Dog – Man’s Best Friend – Lena Heide-Brennand – Zoom

The History of the Dog – Man’s Best Friend

We have celebrated and done a talk on our feline friends, so now it is time to honour our dogs. From the loyal companions of ancient hunter-gatherers to the esteemed guardians of royal courts, dogs have played a pivotal role in shaping societies across the globe. Did you know that the bond between humans and dogs dates back over 15,000 years?

This remarkable relationship began when wolves were domesticated, leading to a partnership that would evolve through various eras. In ancient Egypt, dogs were revered as symbols of protection and loyalty, often depicted in art and even mummified alongside their owners.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, where dogs served not only as hunting partners but also as status symbols for nobility, influencing fashion and culture. In more recent times, dogs have taken on diverse roles, from service animals aiding those with disabilities to beloved family pets bringing joy and companionship.

This heartwarming illustrated talk highlights the enduring significance of dogs in our culture and societies showcasing their unwavering loyalty and adaptability throughout history. Join us as we celebrate the incredible bond that has shaped human societies and continues to enrich our lives today!

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Old Norse Seiðr Practice – Lena Heide-Brennand – Zoom

Old Norse Seiðr Practice

This is going to be a mesmerizing journey into the mystical world of Norse mythology with our captivating talk on the Seiðr- tradition.Seiðr was an ancient form of Norse magic and shamanistic practice that was prominent in the pre-Christian Scandinavian and Germanic cultures. Associated primarily with the goddess Freyja and later with the god Odin, seiðr involved a variety of magical techniques, including divination, manipulation of fate, and communication with spirits.

Practitioners of seiðr, often referred to as seiðkones (female practitioners) or seiðmenn (male practitioners), were believed to have possessed the ability to enter altered states of consciousness, allowing them to access hidden knowledge and influence events. This practice could include trance states, chanting, and rituals to invoke deities or spirits. Seiðr was often viewed with a mixture of reverence and suspicion, as its practitioners were sometimes marginalized due to the association with femininity and the unknown.

Historical accounts indicate that seiðr was utilized for various purposes, such as healing, predicting the future, and even casting spells to affect the lives of your enemies.

This online talk will delve into the enigmatic practice of seiðr. With stunning illustrations and a lecture that weaves together history, mythology, and magic, Lena invites you to explore the profound connection between the natural world and the mystical forces that shaped the lives of our ancestors.

Prepare to be spellbound as we dive into a talk on empowerment and the timeless quest for understanding in a world where magic was both a gift and a curse.

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middle Ages – Lena Heide-Brennand – Zoom

Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middle Ages

Jump onboard the broom stick and join Lena on the journey into the past in yet another part of the online lecture series, Scandinavian Witchcraft. This time we will focus on Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middle Ages. Delve into the rich tapestry of Nordic history as we explore the mystical practices, beliefs, and cultural significance of witchcraft in this tumultuous period of the dark ages. This captivating session will not only illuminate the enchanting spells and rituals of the time but also shed light on the brutal and heartbreaking realities faced by those accused of witchcraft.

The lecture will confront the harrowing tales of torture and execution that many so-called witches endured, often subjected to inhumane practices fueled by fear and superstition.

We will journey through the dark histories of places like Vardø, Norway, known for its infamous witch trials, and the chilling events in Tønsberg, where countless lives were tragically lost. Gain insight into how these brutal episodes shaped societal views and the legacy of witchcraft in Scandinavian culture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to awaken your curiosity, expand your knowledge of a spellbinding yet sorrowful era that tragically claimed the lives of thousands of innocent victims

 

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Castle Arianrhod – Cath Little – Zoom

Castle Arianrhod

Castle Arianrhod is a re-imagining of an ancient Celtic myth, a retelling of one of the stories from the Mabinogion. It tells the story of the harm that comes into the world when sister and brother fight. It is a story full of magic and enchantment. Cath Little brings the strange mythic images to life with her words and her music.

Where is Castle Arianrhod? It is under the waters of Caernarfon Bay. It is in the spinning circle of the stars above. And it is in this gift of a story.

“Magical indeed. I loved every minute of it. A beautiful and measured performance with so many textured layers. Cath is a joy to listen to.”

“Enchanting. I didn’t want it to end.” Festival at the Edge

Bio:

Cardiff Storyteller and Singer Cath Little has “rough magic” in her voice, and in her words “the gift of the story comes through.” She has a strong belief in the power of traditional stories to connect us to one another, to the land, and to the people who once lived here. Cath is passionate about sharing the ancient British wonder tales of The Mabinogion.

Cath helps run the Cardiff Storytelling Circle and curate their seasonal concerts, Tales for the Turning Year. She tells and listens to stories at Oasis, a Cardiff Charity which offers a warm Welsh welcome to refugees and asylum seekers.

Cath keeps busy sharing stories in schools, libraries, museums, castles, cafes and fields. She has performed at clubs and festivals across Britain and Ireland.

www.cathlittle.co.uk

Curated & Hosted by:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Gleaming in the Dark: Gemstones as Magic Devices with Carlotta Gonzi LIVE

Please note this is NOT a ZOOM Lecture but an in person lecture, tickets include a complimentary glass of Devil’s Botany Absinthe.

Doors open at 6:30pm and talk starts at 7pm

‘Gleaming in the Dark: Gemstones as Magic Devices’

Carlotta Gonzi, The Warburg Institute

Belief in the occult powers and alleged virtues of gemstones was an accepted part of the Medieval and Renaissance understanding of the world. Well-known lapidary and philosophy texts, magic treatises, letters and chronicles testify to the awareness of the influence that gems were thought to exert on human beings and natural phenomena. In this talk we will take a closer look at the talismanic, symbolic and magic functions of a few emblematic stones which were exploited for people’s own gains and needs. For instance, gems were sought after and employed to get in someone’s good graces or to make someone fall in love (as well as their opposites), to increase or inhibit human abilities, or to make contact with other dimensions.

Carlotta Gonzi is a doctoral student at the Warburg Institute in London. In her PhD project ‘The Sparkle in the Period Eye. Gemstones and their Cultural Connotations in Northern Italian Renaissance Courts’, Carlotta focuses on the acquisition and employment of gemstones during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries at the courts of Ferrara, Mantua and Milan. She seeks to reconstruct the ‘period eye’ for looking at precious stones, aiming to shed new light on their trade, and particularly their cultural connotations and the significance of their representation in art. Carlotta’s academic interests span from Renaissance material culture and art to the history of magic, medicine and astrology.

THE SEASON OF THE WITCH

This event is part of The Last Tuesday Society’s Season of the Witch series of lectures & workshops running in conjunction with our autumn/winter exhibition. For a full list of events in The Season of the Witch, please see https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-season-of-the-witch-3426299

Devil’s Botany is the UK’s first absinthe distillery, founded by Directors of The Last Tuesday Society’s Absinthe Parlour & Cocktail Bar. Celebrating spirit’s connection to art, literature, magic & mixology, Devil’s Botany is unleashing the future of absinthe with bold expressions for the adventurous drinkers of today.

The venue opens at 18:30. Doors will close at 19:00 to avoid disrupting the speaker. We kindly ask that all guests arrive before 19:00. Refunds are not possible for in person events with less than seven days notice in any circumstances.

 

 

Mythical Creatures in Slavic Folklore part 2 – Lena Heide-Brennand

Mythical Creatures in Slavic Folklore part 2

Exploring once again the Enchanted World of Slavic Mythical Creatures. Prepare to be enthralled once again as we delve deeper into the enchanted world of Slavic mythology in this highly anticipated follow-up lecture. Discover the enigmatic creatures that roam the folklore of Eastern Europe, from the elusive Domovoi to the mesmerizing Rusalka and the mighty Zmey. Building on our previous exploration, we’ll unveil new layers of symbolism, cultural significance, and the timeless allure of these mystical beings. Join us for an evening of captivating stories, stunning visuals, and profound insights that will transport you to the heart of Slavic legend. Don’t miss this opportunity to continue your journey into the realm of the spine chilling slavic myths.

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day

Scandinavian Witchcraft and Sàmi Druidry – Lena Heide-Brennand

Scandinavian Witchcraft and Sàmi Druidry

Are you ready for a spellbinding exploration into the mystical world of Sàmi shamanic druidry and the ancient spiritual practices of the noaidis, the revered shamans of the far arctic north? Discover the deep-rooted shamanism that shaped the indigenous Sàmi people’s connection to nature, their powerful rituals, and the sacred magic they used to heal, protect, and communicate with the spirit world. This captivating talk will also delve into the dark history of persecution, when these mystics were brutally tortured and executed for their beliefs during Europe’s infamous witch hunts, and how their traditions were nearly erased by colonial and religious oppression.

Prepare to be enchanted by tales of spiritual resilience, ancient rituals, and the mystical legacy that still lingers today in the Arctic.

Bio:

Lena Schattenherz Heide-Brennand is a Norwegian lecturer with a master degree in language, culture and literature from the University of Oslo and Linnaeus University. She has been lecturing and teaching various subjects since 1998. Her field of interest and main focus has always been topics that others have considered strange, eccentric and eerie, and she has specialised in a variety of dark subjects linked to folklore, mythology and Victorian traditions and medicine. Her students often point out her thorough knowledge about the subjects she is teaching, in addition to her charismatic appearance. She refers to herself as a performance lecturer and always gives her audience an outstanding experience

don’t worry if you miss it – we will send you a recording valid for two weeks the next day