About the event
When: Thursday 22 January, 5.15pm to 8pm
Join us this January as we kick off our 2026 event programme with our January late: ‘So beautiful and strange and new’.
Step inside a striking wind dial installation created by artist Thomas Sharp, where eight cardinal points reveal objects from Kenneth Grahame’s time at the Bank of England alongside contemporary artistic responses. Experience live talks and music within this immersive circle, then slow down in the Banknote Gallery with a guided meditation inviting you to imagine, manifest, and share your intentions.
Kenneth Grahame and the Bank of England:
Kenneth Graham (1859-1932) joined the Bank of England as a junior clerk in 1878. He rose to become its Secretary at the age of 39, one of the youngest on record to hold that office and retired in 1908. During his time at the Bank, he wrote the much-loved and enduring children’s favourite ‘The Wind in the Willows’, which was first published on 8 October 1908.
Graham’s time at the Bank was not always positive. One of his close colleagues, W. M. Acres cited in 1950 that Graham’s departure from the Bank was due to the bullying attitude of a Director, Walter Cunliffe. On 15 June 1908 he handed in his official resignation, likely around the time he had almost finished the beloved novel.
Vanity Fair described ‘The Wind in the Willows’ as ‘notable for its intimate sympathy with Nature and for its delicate expression of emotions’. Named after the novel’s omitted seventh chapter, this evening of art, music and poetry will explore Grahame’s theme of ‘Arcadia’ over a century on.
About the artist:
Thomas Sharp is a poet who stages live poetic experiences and installations throughout London. He was most recently exhibited at the Field System Art Gallery in Devon in a retrospective on his work.
Sharp has also been commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces, the British Library, English National Ballet and more. You can learn more about his works and career on his website here.
What to expect:
- A series of artist-led demonstrations exploring Grahame’s theme of ‘Arcadia’
- The opportunity to partake in a meditative exercise focusing on the themes explored in the evening.
- An opportunity to soak up our collection after-hours, including artefacts related to Kenneth Grahame, such as his resignation letter and original manuscripts.
