About
Does art need to have a sacred dimension to be art at all? What are the sources of inspiration? In this dialogue, Rupert Sheldrake and Mark Vernon, will explore how meaning and beauty, truth and connection might be manifested in the arts. What is the role of reverence, empathy, and intelligence? Conversely, what is lost when art loses a reference beyond the human and mechanical world? If art energizes the human spirit, encourages awareness, and revitalises symbols, how might it speak to us today of what it is be human and to live in a more than human world?
Key information
Who is the lecture for?
All are welcome.
How do I attend?
This event will take place in person at The Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks, 8 Garrison Square London, SW1W 8BG.
What days/times do I attend?
Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 18:30 – 20:00
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Lecture up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date. This lecture requires a minimum number of enrolments to run.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
No refunds or cancellations, unless cancelled by the School.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Lecturer Biographies
Mark Vernon
Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer and former Anglican priest. A keen podcaster, not least in over 100 dialogues with Rupert Sheldrake, and a columnist with The Idler, he speaks regularly at festivals and on the BBC. He has a PhD in Philosophy, and degrees in Theology and Physics. His most recent book is “Awake! William Blake and the Power of the Imagination”, and previous book topics include Dante’s Divine Comedy, Owen Barfield and the mystical significance of Jesus and Christianity.
Rupert Sheldrake
Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, is a biologist and author of more than a hundred technical papers and nine books, including Science and Spiritual Practices. He studied at Cambridge and Harvard Universities. He was a fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, and also a research fellow of the Royal Society. He worked at the University of Malaya on rain-forest ferns, and in Hyderabad, India, on tropical crops. In India, he also lived for two years in the ashram of Fr Bede Griffiths in Tamil Nadu. He is currently a fellow of the Institute of Noetic Sciences in California and of the Temenos Academy in London. He lives in London and is married to Jill Purce.
