ad caput capitis: the lost skulls of Swedenborg Exhibitions


Writer Iain Sinclair and author Colin Dickey will each speak of their own work, in relation to the lost skulls of Swedenborg.

Exhibition of items from the Swedenborg Archive and talks by Iain Sinclair and Colin Dickey | exhibition 18-21 October, 9.30-5pm | talks, Thursday 19th October 6.00 pm | additional artwork by Jeremy Millar | curated by Stephen McNeilly | Swedenborg House, 20/21 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2TH | FREE | organized in conjunction with the Bloomsbury Festival |

To accompany the exhibition ad caput capitis: the lost skulls of Swedenborg, on Thursday 19 October 2017, London writer Iain Sinclair and US author Colin Dickey will each speak of their own work, both literary and academic, in relation to the lost skulls Swedenborg.

Swedenborg’s skull has long been an object of mystery, intrigue and misappropriation. Stolen twice from his coffin in London, it was later replaced with a ‘ringer’. This in turn was only discovered when the real skull resurfaced in Swansea during the 1950s. It was later put up for auction at Sothebys, and over the years both skulls have been the subject of intense literary focus, giving rise to numerous poems, essays, books, replicas and eulogies.

Organized in conjunction with the Bloomsbury Festival, the exhibition ad caput capitis: the lost skulls of Swedenborg (running daily October 18-21, 9.30am - 5.00pm) offers an opportunity to explore rare and previously unseen items from the Swedenborg Archive that bear witness to this uncommon story. There will also be new works by the artist Jeremy Millar.

IAIN SINCLAIR is a writer, poet and filmmaker known as a chronicler and critic of ever-changing contemporary London. His works include Downriver; London Orbital; Blake’s London; Swimming to Heaven; and The Last London: True Fictions from an Unreal City.

COLIN DICKEY is a US writer, speaker and academic who contributes regularly to LA Review of Books and Lapham’s Quarterly. His works include Cranioklepty: Grave Robbing and the Search for Genius; Afterlives of the Saints: Stories from the Ends of Faith; and Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places.

JEREMY MILLAR is an artist, writer, curator and senior tutor at the Royal College of Art, London. His recent solo exhibitions include M/W, Muzeum Stzuki, Lodz; XDO XOL, Whitstable Biennale (both 2014); and The Oblate, Southampton City Art Gallery (2013).

STEPHEN MCNEILLY is Museum Director at the Swedenborg Society, editor of the Swedenborg Archive series, and curator of Now It is Permitted: 24 Wayside Pulpits.

More details


Date(s)19 Oct 2017
WebsiteVisit website
VenueSwedenborg House
Address20-21 Bloomsbury Way, London, Greater London,
WC1A2TH

Explore localWhat's on in London
 Local tourist information guide
Other eventsWhat's on at Swedenborg House


Main photo may be copyright © Nora Foster


Nearest Hotels

Staying overnight in London?

We've teamed up with Booking.com to provide the best room rates for hotels near the vicinity of the Ad Caput Capitis The Lost Skulls Of Swedenborg event in London.

Thistle Holborn, The Kingsley

ROOMS FROM£108
102mAWAY
4

In Londons Bloomsbury area, The Kingsley is a 4-minute walk from Holborn Underground Station. It has a striking Edwardian frontage, and combines both traditional and contemporary features..

Postcode: WC1A 2SD
Distance from Swedenborg House:
0.1 miles

CHECK AVAILABILITYHotel details, map & prices

onefinestay - Bloomsbury apartments

ROOMS FROM£244.94
106mAWAY
4

A unique collection of fashionable properties, onefinestay offers different locations around Bloomsbury. They are within a short distance of King Cross St Pancras Station, the British Museum and the British Library..

Postcode: WC1
Distance from Swedenborg House:
0.1 miles

CHECK AVAILABILITYHotel details, map & prices

The Hoxton, Holborn

ROOMS FROM£109
121mAWAY
4

Located right in Londons city centre and a few minutes walk from Holborn Tube Station The Hoxton, Holborn features cleverly designed rooms housed in a Grade II-listed building..

Postcode: WC1V 7BD
Distance from Swedenborg House:
0.1 miles

CHECK AVAILABILITYHotel details, map & prices

Grange Holborn Hotel

ROOMS FROM£142.8
154mAWAY
5

The 5-star Grange Holborn Hotel boasts luxurious rooms and a relaxing spa and health club. Just 5 minutes walk from The British Museum, guests can enjoy the authentic Japanese restaurant..

Postcode: WC1B 4AR
Distance from Swedenborg House:
0.1 miles

CHECK AVAILABILITYHotel details, map & prices

Newton Street

ROOMS FROM£0
155mAWAY
0

Set 400 metres from Theatre Royal Drury Lane and 400 metres from Royal Opera House, Newton Street offers accommodation in London. Guests benefit from balcony. A TV is provided.

Postcode: WC2B 5EG
Distance from Swedenborg House:
0.1 miles

CHECK AVAILABILITYHotel details, map & prices

West End 2 Double

ROOMS FROM£311
156mAWAY
3

Located in London, West End 2 Double Bedroom Apartment offers self-catering accommodation with free high speed WiFi and is just a 2-minute walk to the British Museum..

Postcode: WC1A 2SA
Distance from Swedenborg House:
0.1 miles

CHECK AVAILABILITYHotel details, map & prices

View all hotels near Swedenborg House


Your comments:

comments powered by Disqus

Disclaimer: This event is not organised by BritEvents, and we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, errors, or omissions. Always check the information provided before you book tickets.

Event Details

Date19 Oct 2017
Time(s)6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
CostFree
VenueSwedenborg House
20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London
Greater London
WC1A2TH
Phone0207 405 7986
CategoryExhibitions


Nora Foster

Added
21 Aug 2017


The Swedenborg Society is a publisher, library, events space, museum, bookshop and registered charity. In addition to organizing events, lectures, conferences, exhibitions, performances and film screenings,…

Contact organiser

View full profile