Join the Victorian Society and friends for a ghoulish evening celebrating the architecture, literature and art of the Gothic.

Speakers Alice Loxton, Rebecca Marks, Daniel Wilson & Seb Harding will be discussing the world of Gothicism. From the early medieval origins of the style to its 18th century revival and concluding with its influence and legacy today. The event will feature a relaxed talk from each speaker, followed by a Q+A and a book signing.

Young Victorians can enjoy discounted tickets: find out more or join the Young Victorians for just £25 here (https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/join).

Talks

Alice Loxton on Millais's Ophelia

Alice Loxton breaks down John Everett Millais's quintessential image of melancholy; Ophelia. From uncovering the story behind the ill-fated sitter Elizabeth Siddal to exploring the 19th century obsession with tragic heroines, Loxton will lead us through the waters of this beguiling painting.

Rebecca Marks on Gothic Literature

In this short talk, Dr Marks (art & literary historian) will explore the origins of the term 'Gothic'. Beginning with the Ostrogoths and Visigoths, moving through medieval ecclesiastical architecture, eighteenth-century 'terror' novels, and the music and fashion subculture of the 1980s, she will explain just how and why Gothic horror continues to haunt the modern imagination.

Daniel Wilson on Macabre Monuments

Parish churches & cemeteries across the country are filled with intriguing, and sometimes sinister, memorials to the deceased. In this short talk, Daniel will highlight some of the most remarkable and harrowing monuments. Beginning with medieval transi-tombs and memento mori, he'll go on to explore how the Victorians took inspiration from the past to create some of Britain's most unusual funerary monuments. The talk will investigate the meaning imbued in these monuments.

Seb Harding on The Old Dark House

Through art, fiction and film the gothic house has become firmly embedded in the public imagination as a place of darkness, mystery and the supernatural. Harding will explore examples of domestic architecture that changed the way we think of the gothic style. From Beckford’s Fonthill Abbey to Hitchcock’s Bates Motel, we’ll journey through time to discover what this popular trope can tell us about society, identity and our enduring fascination with the uncanny.

Speakers

Alice Loxton

Alice Loxton is a historian, broadcaster and Sunday Times bestselling author who brings history to mainstream audiences through television, social media and heritage projects. With over 1.8 million Instagram followers (@history_alice (https://www.instagram.com/history_alice/)), Loxton has worked with many orgsaintaions including 10 Downing Street (https://www.google.com/maps/search/10+Downing+Street?entry=gmail&source=g), DCMS, The National Trust, The Royal Academy, English Heritage, The National Gallery, Tate, The King’s Foundation, BBC, and ITV. Her latest book, "Eleanor", was named a Waterstones Best History Book of 2025, and winner of the Somerset Maugham Award. Her new book, "A History of Britain in 21 Paintings" is published this November.

Dr Rebecca Marks

Dr Rebecca Marks completed her DPhil at the University of Cambridge in 2025. She is a full-time author and content creator, and is currently writing a book on Gothic art and literature, forthcoming with Penguin in autumn 2027. You can follow her work via instagram (@culture_dumper (https://www.instagram.com/culture_dumper)).

Daniel Wilson

Daniel Wilson is the face of the social media account Great British Architecture (https://www.instagram.com/greatbritisharchitecture/), where he explores historic buildings across Britain, highlighting hidden architectural details and forgotten stories. Daniel is also the author of a new illustrated book ‘Great British Architecture’ and works for the Friends of Friendless Churches, a charity that cares for redundant churches in England and Wales.

Seb Harding

Seb Harding is a writer and content creator. He has worked with institutions including the V&A, Royal Academy and RIBA. His work focuses on exploring themes around personal histories and sexuality in relation to the built environment. He writes regularly on the subject in his substack (Behind the Brick Wall). You can follow him via his Instagram @sebhardinglondon (https://www.instagram.com/sebhardinglondon).

This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, click here (https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/join).

Description supplied by the event organiser.