Inside the Mind of Michelangelo

Step into the strange and shadowy world of the British Library’s acclaimed Tales of the Weird series, which has brought new life to Britain’s rich tradition of gothic, folkloric, and uncanny storytelling. From haunted houses to forgotten monsters, these stories speak to something deep in the national imagination. Join Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentlemen, Ghost Stories) and Tales of the Weird editors, gothic scholar John Miller and folklorist Elizabeth Dearnley as they explore why eerie tales continue to resonate. Chaired by travel writer Nick Jubber, this panel celebrates the enduring power of the weird – on the page, on the stage, and in the shadows. Co-produced by the British Library.

Marking the 550th anniversary of Michelangelo’s birth, Professor Michael Fitzgerald offers a fresh perspective on the artist, not just as a Renaissance Master, but as a profoundly complex and possibly neurodivergent individual. Renowned for ‘David’ and the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo also showed traits such as obsessive focus, emotional intensity, and social withdrawal, leading some scholars to suggest links to autism or OCD. Blending art history with psychological insight, this talk invites us to consider how Michelangelo’s inner world may have fuelled his creative brilliance and enduring legacy.

Join renowned environmental researcher, Mike Berners-Lee, for a compelling presentation on his latest book, A Climate of Truth. In this session, Berners-Lee will unpack the latest scientific insights on climate change, providing a clear-eyed look at the truth behind the crisis. Drawing on years of research, he will challenge common myths and offer practical solutions for individuals, businesses, and governments. This event is an essential opportunity to engage with one of the leading voices in climate science and gain a deeper understanding of the actions needed to address the climate emergency.

Composed in the 13th century, The Heavenly Shādhilī Wisdom is a collection of concise yet profound sayings and teachings from the renowned Moroccan saint, Imam Abū al-Ḥasan al-Shādhilī. These timeless insights have long served as guiding lights for seekers of truth across generations and cultures. In this special session, Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi presents his new English translation of this spiritual masterpiece, offering reflections on the enduring legacy of Imam Abū al-Ḥasan and its relevance in the modern world. With both scholarly precision and spiritual depth, this event will explore how these teachings speak to the contemporary search for meaning, balance, and inner stillness.

Join writer Shahnaz Ahsan, food writer Radhika Howarth, and publisher Habiba Desai for a heartfelt conversation about food, memory, and storytelling rooted in Bradford’s South Asian community. In The Jackfruit Chronicles, Ahsan weaves family recipes with personal and historical narratives to explore British-Bangladeshi identity. Desai, co-founder of Fox & Windmill, shares insights from Tales from the Kitchen, a moving collection of food essays by British South Asian writers. Howarth brings her perspective as a food writer and culinary educator, reflecting on the sensory power of food in shaping cultural identity and belonging. As part of The Big Tasty Read event series, they discuss how food writing can preserve heritage, challenge stereotypes, and connect generations – particularly in Bradford, where culture and cuisine are inseparably linked.

What does the future of gardening look like in an era of climate crisis, urban inequality, and shifting notions of land and community? Inspired by Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, a landmark British Library exhibition and the accompanying Gardens of the Future book, this dynamic panel brings together growers, writers, artists and activists to explore gardening as a tool for resistance, healing and transformation. From diasporic garden traditions to rewilding movements and community allotments, the conversation will explore how gardens challenge inequality, spark joy and cultivate new ways of living. Rooted in both history and lived experience, this is a celebration of gardening as radical, restorative practice. Co-produced by the British Library.

Led by Shaykh Atabek Shukurov, this session explores the foundational principles of Greco-Islamic herbal medicine, drawing on the legacy of figures such as Plato, Galen, Ibn Sina, and Ibn Nafis. Rooted in the classical text Urjoozah by Ibn Sina, the discussion covers key concepts including the elements, humors, organs, and the natural balance essential to health. Attendees will gain insight into how herbs impact the body, with applications in both preventative care and treatment.

What does it mean to write from – and about – the North? Join authors Marcia Hutchinson and Liz Mistry for a conversation exploring Northern identity, representation, and storytelling rooted in place. From crime fiction to memoir, their work brings the voices, landscapes, and complexities of the North to life, challenging stereotypes and championing diverse perspectives. Together, they’ll discuss how geography shapes narrative, the publishing industry’s Southern bias, and why Northern stories matter now more than ever. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or proud Northerner, this event offers an illuminating journey through the literary landscapes of the North.

Join writers and journalists Shahed Ezaydi, Samia Rahman, Remona Aly and Sabbiyah Pervez for a vital conversation exploring the experiences of Muslim women in the media today. From newsroom representation to public perception, the panel will discuss how Muslim women navigate an industry often shaped by bias, underrepresentation, and sensationalism. Drawing on their work across journalism, publishing, and broadcasting, they will reflect on the challenges they’ve faced, the stories they want to tell, and the importance of creating space for authentic voices. This empowering event highlights the need for greater visibility, nuance, and inclusion in the media landscape.

In an age where artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of security and surveillance, this compelling discussion brings together two leading voices at the heart of the debate. Dr Hassan Ugail, a renowned AI and biometrics expert whose groundbreaking work has been used in high-profile criminal investigations, offers deep insight into the power and potential of facial recognition technology. Joining him is Jake Hurfurt from Big Brother Watch, a prominent civil liberties campaigner who has led national efforts to expose the unchecked use of facial recognition by police and government agencies. Together, they will explore the complex balance between public safety and personal privacy, questioning where we draw the line in a world of increasing digital oversight. Expect an eye-opening conversation filled with real-world examples, frontline research, and urgent ethical questions.