Rag members Maria and Julian Sturdy-Morton met through a shared love of the arts. In 2010, the dynamic duo founded A Bit of TLC, an online members club for those passionate about theatre, opera, music and film. Since then, the Sturdy-Mortons have organised numerous outings – from West End shows and historic house visits, to exclusive concerts and performances – for their members to enjoy in the company of likeminded others, and at special rates.
We are delighted to announce a new affiliation with A Bit of TLC. We are working closely with Maria and Julian to add more colour to our Member Events Programme. Please scroll down to find out more and to make bookings.
TALK – Cloistered – Catherine Coldstream talks with Sarah Anderson
Catherine Coldstream chose life in a rural monastery, becoming a nun in a contemplative order; she left, after more than a decade, and is a writer. Cloistered: My Years as a Nun is a touching, sensitive and bittersweet account of those years. Cloistered was chosen this month as a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
Sarah Anderson founded The Travel Bookshop in Notting Hill and is now an author and painter. Her most recent book, The Lost Art of Silence: Reconnecting to the Power and Beauty of Quiet, has been very well received for its sensitive insights and deeply researched context.
Tuesday 9th April at 11.00 | Drawing Room
£15 per person
TALK – The Good Sharps – Hester Grant talks with Anthony Sharp
Anthony Sharp talks with Hester Grant about her book, The Good Sharps. It recounts the remarkable story of Anthony’s family in the late 18th century.
Hester was inspired by this painting by Johann Zoffany to research the siblings gathered, holding musical instruments with All Saints Fulham in the background.
Eight grandchildren of an Archbishop of York whose fame, in their lifetime, was due entirely to their own exceptional efforts to make the world about them a better place.
The youngest son, Granville Sharp, may be the best known. He was one of the first to fight against slavery and lead the Abolition movement. He is buried in the churchyard in Fulham.
Tuesday 23rd April at 11.00 | Drawing Room
£15 per person
TALK – The World’s Most Expensive Art – Ian Swankie
Some two dozen paintings have been sold for more than $100 million, an almost inconceivable amount for any object. Ian Swankie explores who bought and who sold? What is the background story? And are they ‘worth’ what has been paid?
Don’t forget your cheque book!
Wednesday 8th May at 11.00 | Drawing Room
£15 per person
TALK – Dr Tristram Hunt – Colonialism and Collecting
Tristram Hunt has been the Director of the V&A since 2017. He is a historian and author with boldly moderate views on reconciling claims to works of art and on politics trespassing into museums.
He argues that museums should be less concerned about adjudicating on the colonial past, and focus on detailed, trans-national provenance research, shaping a V&A strategy of renewable cultural partnerships and an era of collections equity; less shouting, more fair play. Come and listen.
He became a Labour MP in 2010, leaving Parliament when Jeremy Corbyn became party leader. You are welcome to invite up to four additional guests on this occasion.
Monday 10th June at 11.00 | Drawing Room
£15 per person
TALK – Mark Galeotti –The World as seen from the Kremlin
Prof Galeotti is one of the world’s leading experts on Russian crime and security; Moscow barred him from Russia in 2022. Mark is a Professor at UCL, a prolific author, head of consultancy Mayak Intelligence and a senior fellow with RUSI. He is a foremost thinker on Putin, and what he means for all of us in the west. Mark is a compelling speaker, informed, measured and fearless.
We are privileged to have Mark speak (his diary is full of obligations advising NATO governments!) and you are welcome to invite up to four additional guests on this occasion.
Monday 24th June at 11.00 | Drawing Room
£15 per person