Blog post for a commment that wouldn't load on Reddit, about history and creative options (in London)

I tried to reply with a comment on a Reddit post (r/London) but couldn't because the post was removed (not London-y enough). I then found the author had added their post to a different forum and pasted my comment there but Reddit refused it (possibly doesn't like stuff being pasted in). Zero plans to retype it so I have added it as a blog post here, on my blog :)

Query was from someone wanting suggestions about transferring from a history course at LSE to a more overtly creative one.

I'm at the science end of things myself, so forgive wild speculation in an area that isn't really mine :) Also you've not said if your creative interest is in music, painting, writing, photography, film, general digital stuff or A.N. Other... so this may be a bit off-piste.

Can you add something creative as a hobby? Projects might include art or photography classes (London is packed to the rafters with evening courses and adult education goings on, including courses at British Museum or just turn-up-and-paint at National Gallery (or portrait gallery)), or Royal Academy (see below). Or maybe take photographs of interesting historical things and add them to Wikimedia Commons.

If you have an iPad there's a bit of software called https://poly.cam/ (I think it's about £90 but a free test version is available) which lets you play around with photogrammetry and things like that. This is also something that is used in archival settings to photograph delicate (and fading) artefacts so that they can be viewed digitally and analysed. This project is employing a variety of 3D techniques to study fragile embroideries from the Stuart period of history https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=AH%2FX006522%2F1

There's a whole world linking the history of art to medicine (e.g. spotting ailments in the life models in old art, or inferring them in the painter from clues in the art), and using art observation to train medical students in observing patients and picking up clues from life. I wrote about that here https://brodiesnotes.blogspot.com/2020/01/things-faithfully-though-unwittingly.html

Or how about creativity in sounds? Museums and historical immersive displays often add a soundscape to bring things to life... Maybe LSE library has a copy of Sonic Pasts Acoustical Heritage and Historical Soundscapes by Mariana J López.

Some London events that vaguely link history with creativity

Royal Academy (RA) https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibitions-and-events?page=1
5 September 2025, 6-8pm - Drop in and draw FREE
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/event/drop-in-and-draw-20250905 - "Pick up a pencil and get creative at this free drawing evening, inspired by the Kiefer / Van Gogh exhibition. This workshop has been designed for members of our 25 & Under scheme."

Morley College (classes at Tate Britain)
Short course: Art History: Insights at Tate Britain
18 September 2025 - 2 October 2025 (6 hours, 3 weeks)
https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/courses/course/art-history-insights-at-tate-britain/ - "This Course offers a dynamic introduction to the National Collection of British art since 1500 and also modern and contemporary art through direct engagement with one of the world’s leading galleries. You are invited to join us to explore key works from Tate Britain’s collection, examining their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contexts." £75

Linnean Society
14 October 2025, 11.00am - Into The Light | Cyanotype Workshop from the Linnean Collections https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/into-the-light-cyanotype-workshop-from-the-linnean-collections-tickets-1492292650489 (these crop up again every so often) "You'll learn about the history of the cyanotype process and its connection to early botany. You will also discover the history of nature printing and how it has been used to document plant specimens." from £35

London Month of the Dead, Guy's Hospital Chapel
1 November 2025, 1.30 - 3.30pm, https://londonmonthofthedead.com/spellssaintssummoning.html
Spells, Saints and Summonings - Magic in Medieval Manuscripts - £12.50
"Drawing upon the manuscripts of the British Library, Rory MacLellan will guide you through spells to treat snakebite, to make bread dance, and even to summon demons that will help you find buried treasure. He will talk about protective charms for childbirth, curses to guard books from theft, spells to prank your neighbours, and the surprising Christian elements and priestly practitioners of medieval magic"

Morley College
Short course: Art History: The Relationship Between Art and Ideas
6 November 2025 - 11 December 2025 (15 hours, 6 weeks)
https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/courses/course/the-relationship-between-art-and-ideas/
"This course comprises 6 Sessions: 1. Art of the Sublime – we will examine how notions of the sublime have been reflected in art made from the 19thc through to contemporary art. 2. Art of the Uncanny and Abject – we will see how these key psychological ideas are reflected in wide range of art works. ..." £180 / £135

Requires a digital camera (not just a phone)

Westland Place Studios
Saturday 20th September 2025, 1pm - History of London Photography Tour (London), £52
https://www.westlandplacestudios.com/course/history-of-london-photography-tour
"Combine your passion for exploring historic London with learning about the techniques of architectural photography on this tutored tour around the city. London is a city steeped in history, sometimes obvious, sometimes overlooked but often hidden. With 2,000 years of rebuilding and renewal it's a place constantly in flux. The ever changing streets: the layering of history, the remnants of its past, have inspired photographic documentation since the invention of photography in the late nineteenth century."

Creative... but not so much of the history

Lifefabs (biofabrication maker space) https://lifefabs.bio/#what's-on
1 September 2025, 6.30pm - Knitting with Nature: Bio-Yarn Workshop
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/knitting-with-nature-bio-yarn-workshop-tickets-1559825844089 "Join us for a hands-on deep dive into the world of biofabricated textiles. In this immersive workshop, you’ll explore the potential of bacterial cellulose and marine biopolymers as sustainable fibers for future fashion and design. Participants will learn how to grow, extrude, weave and dye their own bio-based yarns using techniques adapted specifically for biodesigners." ~£11