From nanotechnology to flea circuses, join us for a weird and wonderful evening exploration of the mind behind the mini and how contemplation, collection and control are central to our relationships with all things small.

Free talks (ticketing details below)

18.30–19.30 Author Steven Connor will peer into the realm of miniatures and collections, from dolls' houses, edible architecture and shrink films to flies and the uncanny.

20.00–21.00 Psychiatrist Isobel Heyman will explore the fine line between collecting and hoarding and examine the role of the miniature object in obsessive–compulsive disorder.

Free entertainment, interaction and activities

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  Tap your toe to the amazing Hot Potato Syncopators ukulele band, featuring their amazing miniature trombone.
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  Be baffled by the work of nanotechnologists from London Centre for Nanotechnology.
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  Enter the bonsai sanctuary and contemplate the miniature landscapes of Kew Gardens' bonsai collection.
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  Is your fear and loathing of the invisible world of insects irrational? Come face-to-face with entomophobia; see dressed Mexican flea dolls insects, and marvel at the secrets of the flea circus, curated by Pestival.

   

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  Get in touch with your own miniature painted rice grains.
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  Eat, drink and explore the Miracles and Charms exhibition.
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  Get an insight into Edward Lovett’s collection of amulets.

This event is free, drop in any time. Talks are ticketed.

Ticketing for talks

The first batch of tickets will be released on the day of the event in Wellcome Collection from 10.00. The second batch will be released at 18.00 on the night of the event. Tickets must be collected in person and cannot be reserved online or by phone.

This event has been curated by Harriet Martin.