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Writers' Talks at Somerset House

Tickets are now on sale for Picture This at Somerset House - Writers' Talks at The Courtauld Gallery.

The events will be hosted by Somerset House Writer in Residence Romesh Gunesekera and will take place on 4th and 13th October. 


Romesh selected one of my own short stories for the short-list of five for the Wasafiri Prize for New Short Fiction - hence, looking forward to my own visit to Somerset House on October 14th!


Six eminent writers take inspiration from the remarkable permanent collection of The Courtauld Gallery; each choosing a painting which particularly moves, engages, or challenges them. Each evening three writers present their personal reflections in a 20-minute talk to a small audience who will also have a private view of The Courtauld’s collection, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Cézanne and Renoir. Talks will be followed by a Q&A session. 

Personally, I'd like to attend all of these talks as I love all the artists selected. But if I had to choose one I think I'd go for the Ruth Padel (on Bruegel).

Tickets can be purchased from the Somerset House website or by clicking here

Monday 4th October

Ali Smith on Cezanne
Amit Chaudhuri on Renoir
Ruth Padel on Bruegel the Elder
Wednesday 13th October

Michael Morpurgo on Cezanne
Margaret Drabble on Van Gogh
Andrew Motion on Rousseau

Useful information:
Location: The Courtauld Gallery, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
Doors open: 6.00pm for a private view of the 2nd floor galleries.
Event: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Admission: £12.50 / £11 concessions (includes over 60s, students, registered unwaged & Friends of The Courtauld) Ticket price includes private view of The Courtauld Gallery collection

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