Although primarily a quasi-Freemasonic mystical organisation, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was also a hub for progressive, creative, free-thinking and free-living individuals sensing the first signs of social, cultural and political change at the end of the 19th century.
Indicative of its forward-looking outlook, the Golden Dawn encouraged women to play a central role in its organisation, something that was still unusual in Victorian society – the women’s movement was still in its radical infancy – let alone Masonic orders, which prohibited women members entirely.
Amongst them were the popular actresses Florence Farr (left) and Sara Allgood, the artist Pamela Colman Smith, author and feminist Maud Gonne and theatrical producer and museum curator Annie Horniman.
On Thursday 18 November, Geraldine Beskin, proprietor of London’s Atlantis Bookshop talks about these remarkable women and the magic in their lives.
At The Little Shoppe of Horrors, 11 Mare St, London E8. Book tickets here.
The talk begins at 7pm sharp, arrive early for a complimentary drink and a free tour of the basement wunderkammer.