This world is full of marvels and mysteries, from ancient tombs to distant galaxies.
Here our own cultural explorer Corinne Jones has assembled for us a range of stimulating sessions that will kick-start your knowledge for the New Year!
2nd January 7pm GMT Secrets of Egypt revealed
From the re-opening of the Great Avenue of the Sphinxes, to the search for Cleopatra, new tomb openings and even the discovery of an ancient city, excitement abounds in Egypt today.
Join Laura and Francois Roy for a Spring roundup of what is happening in Egyptian archaeology during these exciting times with new tools available. In addition, learn about the upcoming opening of new sites, like the Grand Egyptian Museum.
6th January at 6pm Everyday Life in the Stone Age
To start the 2023 online talk series, join authors of Everyday Life in the Ice Age, Elle Clifford and Paul Bahn, online for a live Q&A session.
6th January 7.30pm Claiming the Sky Back
Referring back to the “Losing the Sky” talk from a year ago this talk by The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh continues by updating the data/information with current figures, new issues and events. Then the main focus of the talk will be what the industry and agencies are trying to do to mitigate these problems, what technology is already available, what the plans are, how governments are getting involved, with a focus on the UK and Scotland (but also mentioning global efforts as well).
9th January 6.30pm Learning from Stories
In the second season of talks, publisher Katie Isbester and her daughter Teddy, a film buff, will discuss the central idea of some of the greatest stories told.
Each session will grapple with the big issue embedded in the story, and compare how the book and film treat this central idea.
Books/Films they are going to be looking at include the Shawshank Redemption and the book by Stephen King Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption; To Kill a Mockingbird, The Power of the Dog, Schindler's List and The Godfather.
Each session will feature an expert guest and a Q&A with the audience.
11th January at 7.30pm. Repeated on March 8th at 7.30pm. Treason, Power and Plots
Treason is a crime with a long and vicious backstory. First defined in law by the Treason Act (1352), it remains one of the most serious crimes a person can commit. Starting in the medieval period and ending in the 20th century, our exhibition charts how British law has been shaped and revised over time, and how, remarkably, the core of the 1352 Act remains in force today, relatively unchanged.
The curators will explore key flashpoints the stories of traitors who between the 1350s and 1940s were variously accused, convicted or, occasionally, acquitted of having committed a crime so serious it brought the full force of the crown or state down on their heads, tearing lives apart.
January 11th at 6pm. Camp Kinross
Join USA based author, Holly Louise Perry for an online author talk.
Camp Kinross is set in the 1990s and infused with nostalgia and teenage antics. If you like Stranger Things or Stand By Me, then this author event is for you!
Holly will be discussing her book Camp Kinross. The talk will be approx. 30-40mins with Q&A at the end:
• The backstory of Camp Kinross
• Read an extract of the book
• Tips on writing YA fiction
16th January 7pm Wonders of the Universe
The last thirty years have seen a revolution in our understanding of the Universe. We have explored the surfaces of our neighbouring worlds in greater detail than ever before using space probes, landers and rovers. Powerful telescopes have discovered thousands of new planets around distant stars and orbiting observatories can look back in time to learn how the first stars and galaxies were formed.
January 18th at 7pm King Arthur's other countrymen
Join Dr Onyeka Nubia, historian, writer and presenter, as he reveals the true diversity of characters in the original Arthurian stories. We may be familiar with some of the figures from the stories: King Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere, Merlin and Morgan le Fay, but the stories we know today often miss out King Arthur’s other countrymen: knights from Southern Europe, the Middle East and further afield.
These stories are part of a tradition known as the ‘Matter of Britain,’ which mythologises about the history of Britannia from 410c. to the ninth century. Victorian and Edwardian storytellers added to this and inserted their morality of nationhood and religion. Come with us as we find out more about King Arthur’s other countrymen.
26th January at 6.30pm Henry VIII
No English king is as well-known to us as Henry VIII. He is famous for six marriages, breaking with the Pope, dissolving the monasteries and creating the Church of England; and for his ruthless elimination of those who stood in his way.
But he was also an enthusiastic patron of the arts whose palaces, tapestries and paintings enriched the Tudor court and began the Royal Collection. They tell us much about his kingship and (unintentionally) his insecurities. Ultimately, each of the works told one central story: the glorification of Henry and his England.
28th January at 7pm Rembrandt
Rembrandt one of the most famous artists of all time, in today's art history class we go through some of his most iconic pieces and his techniques.