Town Hall Talks: Prof. J. Barrow Green on the Life of J. J. Sylvester
Schedule
Wed Nov 19 2025 at 06:30 pm to 07:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
Islington Town Hall | London, EN
About this Event
The Mind Behind the Math: James Joseph Sylvester, the Forgotten Mathematical Genius of the Victorian Era
James Joseph Sylvester (1814–1897) was a brilliant and dynamic British mathematician whose life was as colourful as his ideas, and is buried in Balls Pond Road Cemetery in Islington. Known for his restless intellect and wide-ranging interests, he taught at institutions across the UK and the US, including University College London, the University of Virginia, and Johns Hopkins University, before becoming Oxford’s first Jewish professor. Sylvester published over 300 research papers and made major contributions to algebra and matrix theory. Beyond mathematics, he worked as an actuary, trained as a barrister, loved music, and even published poetry—embodying a rare blend of genius, ambition, and creativity.
About the Speaker
June Barrow-Green is Professor Emerita of History of Mathematics at the Open University and a visiting Professor at the London School of Economics. Her research centres on 19th and early 20th century mathematics, and she has a particular interest in the history of women in mathematics. When not in an archive she can be found on a bicycle or running marathons.
The event is FREE but booking is required.
This talk is part of Jewish Reform Pioneers: Uncovering BPR Cemetery's Hidden Stories. A parternship between Islington Council and West London Synagogue, made possible by funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Where is it happening?
Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
