Born and raised in Plymouth, Sir William Snow Harris was an electrical researcher, nicknamed ‘Thunder-and-Lightning Harris’.
Discover the story of his struggle to get his lightning conductors for ships system adopted by the Royal Navy and the roles played in that story by Charles Darwin, the Russian Tsar and Queen Victoria.
The Lecture was given by Athenaeum Chief Executive, Owen Ryles, who is a Fellow of the Linnean and Zoological Societies and the Royal Society of Arts.
Soldier, spy and writer, singled out by Napoleon Bonaparte in his memoir, Charles Hamilton Smith’s greatest legacy probably lies in his talent as an artist and illustrator.
From camouflage in military uniforms to stage costumes, Hamilton Smith was one of the foremost illustrators of the 19th Century.
A member of the Plymouth Athenaeum for 30 years from 1830, Hamilton Smith served as Honorary President from 1851-1860.
Athenaeum CEO, Owen Ryles, discusses Hamilton Smith’s career as an artist.
Discover the story of the Plymouth Athenaeum’s vital role in Charles Darwin’s Beagle voyage and the contributions of its members to the theory of evolution.
The Lecture is given by Athenaeum Chief Executive, Owen Ryles, who is a Fellow of The Linnean Society, the Zoological Society and the Royal Society of Arts.
Prof Richard Handy discusses the Espionage for New Science and Technology and the Nazi-Soviet Pact.
Prof Handy is an internationally respected scientist, editor, and author of technology-led spy thrillers. He has more than 30 years of experience in publishing and is a leading expert on the safety of new technologies, including nanotechnology.
His spy thriller series, set in the 1930s and 1940s, involves the escapades of Danny Nash of the British Secret Intelligence Service. His most recent novel, The Wolfsberg Deception, explores the clandestine deals made in the Nazi-Soviet Pact on advanced technology and the shared secrets aimed at undermining British Intelligence and the Allies.
Richard Handy takes us on a journey through the real history, science, and technology that inspired his novels, with a focus on skulduggery taking place between Germany, Russia and the British in Iran – events that still echo through the politics and troubles of the Middle East today, including the rise of ISIS and other extremist groups.
Enjoy a fascinating and entertaining dip into history, science and creative writing to find out what’s really going on in the world …
Find out more about Richard’s activities and books: www.richardhandy.com
The Plymouth Athenaeum is mourning the loss of two of its Past Presidents, Betty Smith and John Warren.
Betty Smith died aged 92 on Tuesday, 3rd November after a short illness. She was President of the Society from 1998-2001 and 2005-08.
John Warren, who died aged 93 on Saturday, 7th November, was President from 2016-18.
Betty and John will be greatly missed by all their friends and former colleagues at the Athenaeum and we send our condolences and best wishes to their families.
