Events & Exhibitions at the Bodleian
Date & Time
Sun, 1 Feb 2026
19:00
Tickets
Get ticketsWhy you should come
AI-powered• Discover how 18th-century social dance influenced Jane Austen’s plots with expert Dr. Helen Davidge.
• Hear Sir Michael Moritz discuss his memoir ‘Ausländer’ in conversation with Bodley’s Librarian.
About this event
The Bodleian Libraries offer a diverse program of exhibitions and events for 2025 and 2026, ranging from major literary displays to hands-on craft workshops. Key exhibitions include 'Treasured,' which showcases standout objects from the Bodleian's vast collections, and 'John le Carré: Tradecraft,' an exploration of the legacy of one of the 20th century's greatest writers. To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, a special display highlights the importance of dance in her life and wo...
Event Highlights
- •Major exhibition on John le Carré's literary legacy and tradecraft
- •Celebration of Jane Austen's 250th anniversary through the lens of dance
- •Hands-on letterpress printing courses and bookbinding workshops
- •Exclusive tours of the Radcliffe Camera and historic Oxford streets
- •High-profile talks featuring Sir Michael Moritz and the Lyell Lectures
Speakers
James Freemantle
Printer-in-Residence
Leads workshops for creating birdwatcher’s notebooks based on John J. Audubon’s 'Birds of America'.
Dr Helen Davidge
Speaker
Expert explaining social dancing in the time of Jane Austen.
Sir Michael Moritz
Journalist and venture investor
Author of the memoir ‘Ausländer’.
Richard Ovenden
Bodley's Librarian
Discusses literature and memoirs with guest speakers.
Christina Hardyment
Speaker
Offers perspectives on how place and plot intertwine in British crime fiction.
Professor Mercedes García-Arenal
Lyell Lecturer 2026
Delivers the prestigious Lyell Lectures series.
Tom Philips RA
Artist
Creator of the 'Song of Myself' wire sculpture.
Programme
Audubon’s Vagrants: Printer-in-Residence workshops
Create a birdwatcher’s notebook based on John J. Audubon’s 'Birds of America'.
Looking After Your Books: An Illustrated Talk
Exploring questions facing book owners, from shelving to writing in books.
Dancing in the time of Jane Austen
Talk by Dr Helen Davidge explaining social dancing in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Sir Michael Moritz in conversation with Richard Ovenden
Discussion regarding Moritz's new memoir, ‘Ausländer’.
The Landscapes of Crime Fiction
Christina Hardyment on how place and plot intertwine in British crime fiction.
Gallery
What to bring / Requirements
- •Some events require 'Friends of the Bodleian' membership
- •Advance booking typically required for workshops and tours
- •Online access available for specific lecture series
Organized by: Bodleian Libraries