Metropolitan Science: London Sites and Cultures of Knowledge and Practice, c. 1600-1800 The London Archives, February 19, 2025 - February 19, 2025 Join us at The London Archives as Rebekah Higgitt and Jasmine Kilburn-Toppin talk us through their new publication, exploring distinctive practices in the artisanal, mercantile, and governmental sites of London. In this talk, co-authors Rebekah Higgitt and Jasmine Kilburn-Toppin will introduce the book and reflect on how they made use of archives at The London Archive and Guildhall alongside other sources to draw out the voices of artisans and reveal the roles of knowledge and skill. About Metropolitan Science: Beginning with the demographics of London in the 17th and 18th centuries, including its attraction of migrants, importance as a centre of empire, and the role of its institutions in government, the authors analyse how and why London was a unique site of scientific activity. Through the use of case studies, such as the Tower of London’s Royal Mint, and the Livery Company Halls, this book examines the city’s sites of exchange for knowledge and practice and highlights the importance of both public and private spaces. With exploration of London’s military and colonial history, the authors acknowledge how its port and maritime trade were not only central to growth and protection, but also facilitated the organisation, assessment, valuation, and pursuit of knowledge in the city. Ultimately, this book demonstrates that London corporations produced unique knowledge communities that drew on networks across the city and beyond and uses a variety of spatial and material approaches to reveal the use, representation, and exchange of practice in these collective settings.
*EXCITING TALK CLAXON*
Curious about #EarlyModern London? About #HistKnowledge? And knowledge-in-practice? You can't be in better hands than with @rhiggitt.bsky.social & @jasminekt.bsky.social!
19 February, 5:30, at the London Archives
All info: www.rensoc.org.uk/event/metrop...
