AWARD-WINNING historian, author and broadcaster, Bettany Hughes OBE, will be holding an online talk at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery next week.

On Wednesday, March 31, Bettany who grew up in Ealing, will discuss her recent book Venus & Aphrodite: History of a Goddess, which charts ancient art, evocative myth, archaeological revelations and philosophical explorations to reveal why Venus endures through to the 21st century.

She will consider the lasting importance of classical civilisation, which significantly influenced Sir John Soane, as evident in the classical references seen at Pitzhanger.

This will launch a new series of conversations with contemporary thinkers called Pitzhanger Perspectives, inspired by Sir John Soane's use of Pitzhanger as a forum for interesting encounters and enlightening debate.

Bettany has a special connection with Pitzhanger, as she spent many hours as a child in what was then Ealing's library.

Bettany, who in 2012 was awarded the Norton Medlicott Award for services to history by the Historical Association, actually learned how to read at Pitzhanger.

The talk will be held at 6:30pm next Wednesday (March 31), with tickets costing £7.

To book your tickets, click HERE.