Dr Graham Hughes will take you on the remarkable journey from the discovery of a simple white powder in a laboratory to the development, testing, approval and eventual prescription of a life-saving drug.  Drawing on decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Dr Hughes will explain the complex process of drug development, including research, clinical trials, safety testing, regulatory approval and manufacturing. This is a unique opportunity to gain an insider's perspective on one of the most important scientific processes affecting modern healthcare. ​

 

About the Speaker:

Dr Graham Hughes is the joint founder and former Scientific Director of Technomark Consulting Services Inc., an internationally recognised consultancy specialising in pharmaceutical development outsourcing, from preclinical research through clinical development to manufacturing. He holds an MA and a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Cambridge. Following research fellowships at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Boston University, he joined ICI Mond Division as a Research Scientist. He later became European Development Manager for ICI's subsidiary, Atlas Chemicals, in Brussels, before establishing and jointly managing Effect Chemicals Development within ICI Europa. As Regional Development Director for Zoecon, Dr Hughes was responsible for the development and commercialisation of a wide range of animal health, agrochemical and environmental health products across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Zoecon Europe became a pioneering example of a "virtual company", operating with a small core team while delivering research and development entirely through outsourcing and collaborative partnerships. During his time at Technomark, Dr Hughes became an internationally recognised authority on pharmaceutical outsourcing and was a frequent speaker at international conferences on drug development. He also played a leading role in Technomark's collaboration with Lloyds Development Capital, identifying and conducting due diligence on investment opportunities in emerging biotechnology companies. His extensive experience provides a unique perspective on every phase of pharmaceutical development and the strategic use of outsourcing. Dr Hughes lived part-time in the Nord–Pas-de-Calais region of France for 15 years and has travelled extensively throughout Europe. He has delivered numerous illustrated lectures on contemporary life in France, sharing his knowledge and photographs of this fascinating region.

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century. Discover the unforgettable characters who brought these issues to life, including the notorious Sarah "Sairey" Gamp from Martin Chuzzlewit—the gin-loving, often incompetentnurse whose name became synonymous with untrained nursing in Victorian Britain. Combining literary history with fascinating medical insights, this entertaining and richly illustrated talk explores how Dickens used humour, satire and powerful storytelling to expose the strengths and shortcomings of Victorian healthcare. Whether you are a fan of Dickens, interested in social history, or simply curious about the evolution of medicine and nursing, this promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking afternoon.

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About the Speaker:

Kevin Brown is a distinguished historian, medical archivist and author specialising in the history of medicine and healthcare. He is Trust Archivist for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Curator of the renowned Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum. A graduate of the University of Oxford and University College London, Kevin is widely recognised as an authority on the history of health and medicine. He has written and published numerous books and articles exploring the development of medicine, nursing and healthcare, making complex historical subjects both engaging and accessible. An experienced and popular speaker, Kevin delivers fascinating illustrated talks on a wide range of medical history topics. His presentations combine meticulous research with entertaining storytelling, bringing to life the people, discoveries and events that have shaped modern healthcare. His talk "Scalpels and Gamps: Doctors and Nurses in Dickens" explores Charles Dickens' vivid portrayals of Victorian medicine, examining memorable characters such as Sarah "Sairey" Gamp and revealing how Dickens' novels reflected the realities of illness, nursing and medical practice during the nineteenth century.

 

Turner's Kensington – A Guided Historical Walk: 25th July.

Discover the artistic heritage of Kensington on a fascinating guided walking tour. Join renowned Turner historian Dr Selby Whittingham as he leads an engaging walk through the streets of Kensington, uncovering the remarkable artists, writers and historic figures who helped shape one of London's most creative neighbourhoods.

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Those wishing to extend the experience can enjoy an optional additional section through Holland Park before finishing near Kensington High Street. Packed with fascinating stories, historical insights and little-known facts, this leisurely guided walk offers a unique opportunity to see Kensington through the eyes of the artists, musicians and writers who once lived and worked there. Whether you have an interest in local history, art, architecture or London's cultural heritage, this promises to be an enjoyable and informative afternoon. A café in Holland Park provides the perfect opportunity to relax after the walk. 

 

Our Guide:

Dr Selby Whittingham is one of Britain's foremost authorities on the life and work of J.M.W. Turner, having devoted more than four decades to researching Britain's greatest landscape painter and his contemporaries. He was the original founder of The Turner Society, established with the backing of the internationally renowned sculptor Sir Henry Moore, before later founding the Independent Turner Society, which continues to promote scholarship and appreciation of Turner's life, work and legacy.

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A distinguished art historian, author and lecturer, Dr Whittingham has written extensively on Turner, British art and the artistic heritage of London. His many publications include books, articles and walking guides exploring the lives of artists, architects, musicians and writers who shaped Britain's cultural history during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

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Dr Whittingham has a particular passion for the artistic history of Kensington, where his meticulous research has uncovered the stories behind historic houses, artists' studios and blue plaques. His work has revealed fascinating connections between Turner and many of the leading cultural figures of the Georgian and Victorian eras.

An engaging and highly respected speaker, Dr Whittingham regularly delivers lectures and leads guided heritage walks, bringing history to life through a unique blend of expert knowledge, original research and captivating storytelling. His walks offer participants the opportunity to discover London's artistic past by exploring the very streets once walked by Turner and his remarkable contemporaries.

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Through his lifelong dedication to research, writing and public education, Dr Whittingham has made a significant contribution to the understanding and appreciation of J.M.W. Turner and Britain's rich artistic heritage.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​