LL185: Archives - Edmund de Waal in conversation with Kavita Puri (In person)
As The London Library turns 185 years old and as we launch our new digital archive, artist and writer Edmund de Waal joins us to discuss his latest book, an Archive, which, like much of his work, is concerned with collecting and collections – how objects are kept together, lost, stolen or dispersed. In conversation with journalist and broadcaster, Kavita Puri, he discusses this work, considers the meaning, purpose and materiality of archives, and reflects on his own archives, those of his family and the archives of artists, poets and places he loves.
This is part of LL185, a series of events celebrating 185 years of The London Library as a home of inspiration, including talks, workshops and performances, delving into our history, collection and community and looking to the future. See our What’s On page for more information.
Edmund de Waal is an artist and writer, who continually investigates themes of diaspora, memorial and materiality with his interventions and artworks made for diverse spaces and museums worldwide including The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; The British Museum and V&A in London, The Frick Collection, New York; Museo Ebraico, Venice; and Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. His books include his bestselling family memoir, The Hare with Amber Eyes, The White Road, Letters to Camondo and an Archive. In 2021 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and awarded a CBE for his services to art. In 2023 he received the Isamu Noguchi Award. In 2024 he was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Kavita Puri is a multi-award-winning journalist, executive producer and broadcaster. She is the author of the critically acclaimed Partition Voices: Untold British Stories, which was adapted for the stage at the Donmar Warehouse in London from her Radio 4 series. Her recent BBC podcast Three Million about the 1943 Bengal Famine won numerous prizes including Gold at the British Podcast Awards and is the subject of her forthcoming book. She was last year's Chair of the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction.
Books by both speakers will be available to buy at the event and online from our partner bookshop Hatchards.
NB This event will take place in person at The London Library. Doors (and the bar) will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Please see our Event Access Guidelines before you arrive.
