What’s On

We will be holding a regular storytime every Saturday at 11:00 in the shop, with a reading from a selection of children’s picture books.

It’s free to join, and the reading will last half an hour maximum.

A talk and book launch

with Danielle van Dijk

Danielle van Dijk, together with Henk van Oort (her translator), will share insights from her richly illustrated book exploring the hidden legacy of Mary Magdalene across sacred sites in Palestine, France, England, Italy, and Spain. Drawing on Celtic Christianity, the Nag Hammadi discoveries, and the work of Rudolf Steiner, Danielle retraces the footsteps of Mary Magdalene, uncovering veiled layers of Gnosis embedded in Gothic cathedrals, Templar legends, Cathar strongholds, the Black Madonna, and pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.

Through readings, discussion, and contemplative exercises, attendees will explore the spiritual presence of Mary Magdalene as a teacher, initiator, and equal among the great figures of sacred history. The event will offer a unique opportunity to engage with subtle symbols of the Magdalene encoded in art and architecture, and to experience meditative reflections on love, equality, and the archetypal feminine. Copies of Danielle’s book will be available for sale in the Steiner House bookshop.

Besides some striking examples that prove the metamorphic development of the human soul leading to the present consciousness soul, Henk van Oort will also draw attention to the necessary rehabilitation of the balance between the male and female aspects of the human being. Awareness of this need will support the pursuit of Love as a gift from the Divine, a gift that ‘Project Earth’ cannot do without.

Danielle van Dijk, MA, has spent decades studying esoteric Christianity and the feminine aspect of the divine, bringing scholarly depth and spiritual insight to her writings. Henk van Oort, author and translator of The Inner Rainbow, will also contribute, offering complementary perspectives and discussion.

Entry fee: £10

Book via: https://www.ticketsource.com/rudolf-steiner-house/t-jxxpzvo

Celebrate the Centenary of Rudolf Steiner House

Step inside London’s only example of expressionist architecture at Rudolf Steiner House. Explore this architectural gem, uncover its fascinating history, and join in our special centenary celebrations. This year also marks the 35th edition of the Open House Festival.

Free admission | Learn more: www.rsh.anth.org.uk

To mark the centenary, we are also hosting:

Where Did All This Come From?

Thursday 17 September 7pm

The architecture of Rudolf Steiner House

A talk by architects Nic Pople and Richard Coleman as part of OPEN HOUSE LONDON

Join us for this centenary talk celebrating 100 years of Rudolf Steiner House, the sole example of expressionist architecture in London.

The talk will look at the context in which the architect of Rudolf Steiner House, Montague Wheeler, was working in his practice at the time and what other architects were doing in London then. It was an extraordinarily unique approach to style. The focus will then turn to Rudolf Steiner’s influence on architecture emanating form his work in Dornach, Switzerland, including the two Goetheanum buildings leading to a review of how this influence spread over Europe and Scandinavia, positing the freeing and spiritualising of an approach to architectural design as one of Steiner’s many contributions to the cultural life.

Nic Pople is an architect based in Sussex. During his long career he has designed and had built three churches for The Christian Community and carried out renovation work at Rudolf Steiner House in 2008 and again in 2020. He also taught part time for 35 years in London architecture schools before retiring from teaching ten years ago in order to concentrate fully on the practice he runs with three young colleagues. He doesn’t like the term ‘Steiner Architecture’, preferring to see Steiner’s insights as important to the design process rather than as a style.

Richard Coleman is an architect soon to retire but still provides existing design teams with a consultancy role in respect of design, townscape and heritage advice. He contributed to the design of the Gherkin, several projects along the banks of the Thames, ten projects in Oxford Street and over 30 others in the west end. He has supported projects in Bath, Brighton, Dublin and Cork and has collaborated with many of the well-known architects in the UK. He follows Steiner’s indications in his work.

Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT

Price: £10

Booking: https://www.ticketsource.com/rudolf-steiner-house/t-xdyjxkn

Please book tickets in advance as seating is limited

Enquiries: E: ilona.pimbert.rsh@anth.org.uk T: 020 7723 4400

From September, we will be holding a regular monthly book club in which we will discuss a novel that has been nominated by the group.

This will take place on every second Monday of the month in the bookshop at 19:00.

It’s free to join, and the first meeting will be on Monday 14th September when we will have a general discussion and nominate the first book.

A Book Launch Talk with author Wendy Teall (pen name Phoebe Tallis) and researcher Inessa Burdich

What begins with a battered suitcase of family photographs unfolds into an extraordinary investigation across the threshold of death.

In this launch talk, author Phoebe Tallis and supersensible researcher Inessa Burdich share the creative journey behind Saving Ernest. Tracing one family’s story from the late 19th century to the present day, their research moves beyond archives and memory into direct contemplative enquiry into the experiences of those who have died, both before and after their passing.

Told with warmth, humour and narrative drive, Saving Ernest blends historical reconstruction with spiritual investigation, uncovering patterns of inheritance, suffering and healing that flow through generations. At its heart lies a compelling question: can the wounds of the past be understood and transformed through conscious attention and love?

This talk offers a rare insight into a unique collaboration, and into a form of anthroposophy expressed through story.

Wendy Teall is a writer, artist and researcher whose Welsh storytelling heritage shapes her exploration of love, loss, and the unseen life of the soul.

Inessa Burdich is a spiritual researcher, consultant and educator whose work unites scientific training with supersensible enquiry and the wisdom of Anthroposphy.

For enquiries, please contact Wendy Teall on 07815 739193.

Cost: £10 cash on the door.

The architecture of Rudolf Steiner House

A talk by architects Nic Pople and Richard Coleman as part of OPEN HOUSE LONDON

Join us for this centenary talk celebrating 100 years of Rudolf Steiner House, the sole example of expressionist architecture in London.

The talk will look at the context in which the architect of Rudolf Steiner House, Montague Wheeler, was working in his practice at the time and what other architects were doing in London then. It was an extraordinarily unique approach to style. The focus will then turn to Rudolf Steiner’s influence on architecture emanating form his work in Dornach, Switzerland, including the two Goetheanum buildings leading to a review of how this influence spread over Europe and Scandinavia, positing the freeing and spiritualising of an approach to architectural design as one of Steiner’s many contributions to the cultural life.

Nic Pople is an architect based in Sussex. During his long career he has designed and had built three churches for The Christian Community and carried out renovation work at Rudolf Steiner House in 2008 and again in 2020. He also taught part time for 35 years in London architecture schools before retiring from teaching ten years ago in order to concentrate fully on the practice he runs with three young colleagues. He doesn’t like the term ‘Steiner Architecture’, preferring to see Steiner’s insights as important to the design process rather than as a style.

Richard Coleman is an architect soon to retire but still provides existing design teams with a consultancy role in respect of design, townscape and heritage advice. He contributed to the design of the Gherkin, several projects along the banks of the Thames, ten projects in Oxford Street and over 30 others in the west end. He has supported projects in Bath, Brighton, Dublin and Cork and has collaborated with many of the well-known architects in the UK. He follows Steiner’s indications in his work.

Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT

Price: £10

Booking: https://www.ticketsource.com/rudolf-steiner-house/t-xdyjxkn

Please book tickets in advance as seating is limited

Enquiries: E: ilona.pimbert.rsh@anth.org.uk T: 020 7723 4400

How can our human culture survive and even thrive in the world pervaded by Al?

Only if we are awake and engaged! Let us nurture the vision of our still unachieved potential supported by education, storytelling, and the unshakable confidence that the challenges we face invite us to evolve new capacities and strengths.

With contributions from Jeremy Naydler, Michaela de Winter, Tom Smith, and Danyah Miller, and open discussions and creative storytelling, the day will explore what we can do at home, in the classroom, in society, and even globally to engage courageously and creatively in the face of what appear to be such looming threats to our humanity.

10.00-10.15am - Introduction - Andrew Wolpert

10.15-11.20am - The Spiritual and Cosmic Context - Jeremy Naydler

11.20-11.30am - BREAK

11.30-12.30pm - Recognising the voice of the Double - Michaela de Winter

12.30-1.45pm - LUNCH

1.45-2.45pm - Artificial Intelligence & the Poly-Crisis - Tom Smith 2.45-3.45pm - The Role of Creative Storytelling - Danyah Miller 3.45-4.15pm - TEA BREAK

4.15-5.00pm - Waldorf Education's Role in the Modern World - Tom Smith

5.00-5.45pm - Plenum discussion on the ideas and topics covered

5.45-6.00pm - Closing Reflections - Andrew Wolpert

Conference fee including afternoon refreshments

£45 (concessions £25)

Jeremy Naydler is a philosopher, gardener and author of several books including In the Shadow of the Machine (2018), The Struggle for a Human Future (2020) and Gardening as a Sacred Art (2021)

Michaela de Winter is a Waldorf Teacher, a trustee of Waldorf UK, a member of The Education Section, and a beekeeper. She studied Philosophy, works at Nutley Hall, and has a particular interest in researching Rudolf Steiner’s concept of the spiritual force that works towards materialisation from a Manichean perspective.

Dr Tom Smith is the founding director of Beehub, a Waldorf-inspired home-education hub in Brighton. He was previously the Science, Music and Technology teacher at the Brighton Waldorf School. Tom is a firm supporter of the Screen-Free Childhood movement and thinks that Waldorf education has an important role in our modern technological society. beehub.uk

Danyah Miller Danyah is an international, multi award-winning storyteller, trainer and author of Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling, Artistic Director of DMS Productions and a trustee of the Society for Storytelling. Danyah encourages people to be more curious, creative and connected. Her work is imagination-rich and often life-changing. www.danyahmillerstoryteller.co.uk

Coralee Frederickson Coralee has been a Eurythmy performer and trainer in the US, England, Norway and China for decades. She co-carried a research MA in Eurythmy for Alanus University and is presently Coordinator of The Performing Arts Section in Great Britain.

Andrew Wolpert shares his love for Art History, Literature, and general anthroposophical studies giving courses and lectures around the world. He co-carries The Humanities Section in Great Britain. These events are sponsored by the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain and supported by The Sections of the School of Spiritual Science.

The cover image is from a photograph by Robert Greshoff of David Newbatt’s painting of the dragon being tamed and so transformed. In the legend of St George the Princess is liberated by the hero slaying the dragon. In the esoteric context of the Archangel Michael, we are challenged to engage courageously with the opposing forces and transform what may at first appear to thwart our humanity.

For further information, please contact Andrew Wolpert,   andrewjwolpert@gmail.com

This event is an intersectional initiative hosted by the Humanities and Educational Sections of the School of Spiritual Science, and is supported by the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain.

BOOK HERE: https://www.ticketsource.com/rudolf-steiner-house/t-xdaqdxg

We are all called to be artists!

If Sculpture is waiting to be released into the movement art of Eurythmy, what is Architecture longing to become? In characterising the Mission of the Arts, Rudolf Steiner described the transformation of the plastic-spatial arts, but left the "social art" enigmatically unidentified. This is directly connected to the courage we are enjoined to have in taking responsibility for the uncertain future. How can we transform the ‘architecture’ of the social, economic, pedagogical, professional, and other structures that manifestly no longer serve our becoming human?

Come and join us in this Festival to explore what Michael, the Spirit of our Time, is waiting for from us!

Coralee Frederickson and Andrew Wolpert

There is no charge for this Festival event

From the King James version - A Staged Recitation  

A performance by The Speech Ensemble
Sarah Kane, Duncan MacIntosh, Dan Skinner and Andrew Thompson (music)

With the word 'Apocalypse' on many people's lips today to describe the state of the world we live in, The Speech Ensemble is offering a 80-minute performance at the Marylebone Theatre of the original King James translation of The Apocalypse, both spoken and sung to original music. Immerse yourself in the searing imagery - the four riders of the Apocalypse, the battle between Michael and the Dragon - and allow the downfall of evil and the birth out of heaven of the New Jerusalem to come alive.

Tickets £20/£15 Concessions Available in advance here: https://www.ticketsource.com/rudolf-steiner-house/t-xdagnpn

With thanks to The Anthroposophical Society in GB
The Godparents Association, The Rudolf Steiner Association, Hermes Trust

Malcolm wrote about wine for 30 years, as the Guardian's wine correspondent and best-selling Superplonk author. He has authored 47 books on wine (and food). His debut novels, four being published by The Glassfull Press this month, carry a spiritual dimension entirely the result of his association with Rudolf Steiner House.

Donation of £5 welcome, payable in the Bookshop.

with Karen French

Without geometry there would be no time, space, nor possibility of existence.  Learn about the purpose of 5 essential geometric shapes that are fundamental to the construction of reality and combine as a universal model called the Gateway. Change the way you look at geometry and your use of it. 

Cost £12 via Ticketsource: https://www.ticketsource.com/rudolf-steiner-house/t-mjradrq

For further information, E: Karen@thegatewayseries.com   or 079633209521 

Meeting Pain through Art, Celebrating Creativity

Storytelling, Poetry, Painting and Mindfulness

with Louise Coigley, Ilona Pimbert, Tamzin Muir and guests

A day of artistic workshops, sharing and conversation

‘To be an artist is to believe in life.’ Frida Kahlo

Fee: £40.00 - some bursaries available

https://www.ticketsource.com/rudolf-steiner-house/t-lddryyg

Contact Louise at: lisntell@gmail.com

Banner image: Tree of Hope, Remain Strong (Árbol de la Esperanza, Mantente Firme) by Frida Kahlo 1946 

Tree of Hope, Stay Strong by Frida Kahlo 1946 

Image courtesy of Stephen Chappell and Daniel Filipacchi Collection, Paris, France

A Talk with Julie R. Petre

“I have purposely kept all allusions to the highest matters down to mere hints, perceptible only by the most attentive, or kept them under unexplained symbolic forms.” (Letter 156)

Arwen Undómiel makes few appearances in Tolkien’s legendarium, barely speaks, and is underrepresented in the literature. Yet she captures the imagination. And she is Queen of the Reunited Kingdom and the New Age. Tolkien thought her love story ‘the highest,’ and thought the story of Arwen and Aragorn the most important Appendix in the Red Book.

This talk considers the following strands:

• The unfinished nature of the myth, and its ‘hints’ of something more.
• The veiled but pivotal importance of Arwen.
• The Stars, the Tree, & the Priestess.
• The feminine in Tolkien’s myth.
• Cerin Amroth.

Julie R. Petre worked for many years as an NHS Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist. On retiring, she earned a Masters degree in ‘Myth, Cosmology & the Sacred,’ focussing on Tolkien’s work. She leads an esoteric group with roots in the ancient wisdom traditions of the west, which is devoted to the living interior of the myth brought to us by Tolkien.

www.companyofcerinamroth.com

Donation of £5 welcome, payable in the Bookshop.

We will acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Lilly Kolisko’s death and celebrate the remarkable contributions she made to biodynamics.

Lilly Kolisko researched potentisation with Dr Steiner as used in biodynamics, anthroposophical medicine and homoeopathy, putting potentisation onto a scientific footing. The forces with which biodynamics reckons and which distance us from our materialistic peers were investigated and their impact revealed to the great satisfaction of Dr Steiner.

We will explore her work and note where her efforts have blossomed in the present.

This event is for biodynamic farmers and growers, homoeopaths and pharmacists looking to understand the ‘mode of action’ of potentised preparations.

The BDA’s AGM will follow.

Outline Programme

10:00 – Arrive
10:30  – Welcome
10:30 – 11:30   Lilly Kolisko’s life  – Soili Turunen – Live and in person
11:30 – 12:00   Break
12:00 – 1:00    Presentations:
Steigbild with Vesna Forstneric- co-leader of the natural science section at the Goetheanum in Switzerland (video)
Pharmacy with Ross Rentea co-founder of the Kolisko Institute and True Botanica in the USA (video)
1:00 – 2:00     Lunch
2:00 – 3:00    Presentation: Agriculture with Glen Atkinson – founder of BdMax and Garuda Consultants in New Zealand (video)
3:00 – 3:30    Break

3:30 – 5.00  Biodynamic Association AGM (open to members and non-members)
Agenda: Welcome and  apologies
Approve Minutes from 2025 *
Trustees’ Report of Activity Jan -Dec 2025
Finance Report Jan – Dec 2025 / Acceptance of accounts *
Reappointment of Accountants: *
Notification of Trustees: Current team, those stepping down
Elections: TBC*
Questions
* BDA members may vote on these points; non-members are welcome to attend but are not entitled to vote.

Booking: Online – https://www.biodynamic.org.uk/event/lk2026agm/
By phone: 01453 479501 (office hours 9-1 Mon – Fri)
By Email: Office@biodynamic.org.uk

Further information:  
For more about Lilly’s work visit https://considera.org/wpwp/lili-noha-kolisko/
Buy the biography of Lilly Kolisko here https://www.biodynamic.org.uk/product/lily-kolisko-the-mystery-of-matter-soili-turunen/

Activist, Ecologist and Transpersonal Counsellor Paul Maitenay will be in conversation with Mark Jackson-Hancock.

Seminal experiences and questions starting at seven years old set the trajectory for Paul’s 50+ year inquiry into the dynamics of how Earth’s Life works: how do all the layers and pieces fit together as one ecosystemic whole, including accepting what could be our human niche within it? How come we so belligerently resist seeing and or being what we have needed to in order to realise our participation? Paul’s main learning has been from observing the Book of Nature, both within and without. At a similarly early age, he discovered that esoteric wisdoms and practice, of western and eastern alchemical traditions, described what he had been seeing. These have been a thread running throughout his life and work. He will share these things and discuss them in conversation.

Paul’s questions led him to work across conservation ecology, ecological and cultural anthropology, and transpersonal psychotherapy. He has worked with conservation organisations, the Open University, Oxford University and UCL, and now works independently. His publications include Yearning for Our Niche, Longing to be Human and Trees of Knowledge. He currently teaches Ecology, Meaning, Survival: Transpersonal Ecopsychology.

Suggested Donation £5 on the door

A talk with Mike Bais

Mike Bais will be at the bookshop talking about his new book “Kabbalah, the Round Table and the Grail”.

A book for the contemporary seeker who wishes to learn about Kabbalah and for those who are also fascinated by the mythology of the Round Table. Both these spiritual traditions come together in this unique book where theory and practice guide the reader, bringing one to a greater understanding of the Tree of Life, the Round Table and the Grail. A book for the beginner and the advanced student alike.

Mike Bais is the founder of the Mystery School, the Circle of Avalon. His esoteric training comes from the Western Esoteric Tradition and the Toledano Kabbalah. Living in the Netherlands (Utrecht) he extensively worked with esoteric teachers and groups in the UK. His professional background is working as a physiotherapist, counsellor, teacher in university and he had his own practice for many years. He is a trained priest and bishop in the mystical tradition of Christ, which is known as the lineage called the A.S.A. He believes that the Teachings of Christ are universal and should not be limited to a religious structure.

Suggested donation £5 on the door