Magick in 7 Objects: The Visual Culture of Spells, Illusions and Psychic Powers
Dr. Thomas Waters, author of Magick: Decoding the Visual Culture of Spells, Illusions and Psychic Powers, uncovers key features of magic through stone age symbols, lavish spellbooks, twisted figurines, and enchanted weapons.
Explore the nature and history of magic through an illustrated talk by Imperial College historian Dr. Thomas Waters. Stone Age symbols. Lavish spellbooks. Twisted figurines. Enchanted weapons.
Using remarkable objects, Dr. Waters uncovers key features of magic and explains why it has enchanted people since the dawn of humanity. Spanning prehistory to the present, the talk is based on Dr. Waters’ new illustrated study, Magick: Decoding the Visual Culture of Spells, Illusions and Psychic Powers (Thames & Hudson, 2026).
This inclusive event aims to welcome, entertain, and inform everyone with an interest in the topic, irrespective of background. From experts to beginners and the curious – all are welcome, and questions will be warmly encouraged.
Thomas Waters is a lecturer in History at Imperial College London and author of Cursed Britain: A History of Witchcraft and Black Magic in Modern Times (2019) along with numerous articles about the history of witchcraft and magic. He read History at the University of Leeds and Oxford, and has been researching and teaching about the history of magic for over twenty years in universities and the wider community.
Copies of Magick: Decoding the Visual Culture of Spells, Illusions and Psychic Powers will be available on the day.
Explore the nature and history of magic through an illustrated talk by Imperial College historian Dr. Thomas Waters. Stone Age symbols. Lavish spellbooks. Twisted figurines. Enchanted weapons.
Using remarkable objects, Dr. Waters uncovers key features of magic and explains why it has enchanted people since the dawn of humanity. Spanning prehistory to the present, the talk is based on Dr. Waters’ new illustrated study, Magick: Decoding the Visual Culture of Spells, Illusions and Psychic Powers (Thames & Hudson, 2026).
This inclusive event aims to welcome, entertain, and inform everyone with an interest in the topic, irrespective of background. From experts to beginners and the curious – all are welcome, and questions will be warmly encouraged.
Thomas Waters is a lecturer in History at Imperial College London and author of Cursed Britain: A History of Witchcraft and Black Magic in Modern Times (2019) along with numerous articles about the history of witchcraft and magic. He read History at the University of Leeds and Oxford, and has been researching and teaching about the history of magic for over twenty years in universities and the wider community.
Copies of Magick: Decoding the Visual Culture of Spells, Illusions and Psychic Powers will be available on the day.
Where is it happening?
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square,London, United Kingdom
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherLondon Fortean Society
