Our selection of the five best talks, readings, lectures, debates and other wordy-based events taking place across London next month.
Thursday 3rd May
Neuromania and Darwinitis @ Wellcome Collection
Free, 7pm
This May sees nattily dressed philosopher-poet Raymond Tallis launch a timely attack on the over-reaching tendencies of contemporary neuroscience. In conversation with Bryan Appleyard he outlines the thesis expounded in his new book, Aping Mankind: Neuromania, Darwinitis and the Misrepresentation of Humanity. Given that the poster boy of pop-neuroscience Jonah Lehrer also has a new book out, expect Tallis to be pretty direct in his criticisms.
Saturday 5th May
Affective Voices @ Birkbeck School of Arts
Free, 3pm
By contrast, James Wilkes, the poet-in-residence at the UCL's Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, curates a discussion about extra-linguistic means of communication – laughter, tears, screams etc. Poet and philosopher Denise Riley and psychologist Disa Sauter examine the emotional range of the human voice and its ability to express feelings in ways that seem to transcend cultural and historical boundaries.
Friday 11th May
Language, Community, Identity @ British Academy
Free, 4.15pm
Taking in some senses the opposite approach is this panel discussion at The British Academy. Chaired by Professor Peter Trudgill FBA, an impressive selection of academics explore those aspects of language that are not directly concerned with communication. Linguistic differences are often expressions of identity, both in terms of allegiance to a particular group and in terms of status within that group. A reception, where you can test out your new-found knowledge, follows.
Friday 18th May
Archaeological Archive by Twilight @ Mortimer Wheeler House
£6, 6.30pm
The Museum of London's archives at Mortimer Wheeler House were recently confirmed as the largest in the world by Guinness World Records, with over 5 million artefacts from nearly 8,500 London excavations. Visiting really is a fascinating experience – for everybody with even a vague interest in London's past – but for an extra slice of excitement, check out this twilight tour as part of Museums at Night. You even get lessons in how to make chainmail!
Thursday 31st May
The Mysteries of Hatton Garden @ Tintype Gallery
Free, 7pm
These days Clerkenwell may be best known for a host of art galleries, architecture practices and design studios, but at its heart is still the jewellery trade. Tintype, housed on the third floor of a building that's otherwise populated by jewellers, are currently showing work by Rachel Lichtenstein, a local artist who's just published a book about the area. She discusses Clerkenwell's – and her own – history with psychogeographer extraordinaire, Iain Sinclair.
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Return to Spoonfed's London Art homepage.
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