Experience the Painting – ‘Punch or May Day’ with Jon Sleigh

Lecture

We are joined by Learning Curator, Arts Educator and Writer Jon Sleigh for an insightful look at Punch or May Day, Benjamin Robert Haydon’s 1829 painting that captures the bustling streets of Marylebone, featuring our very own St. Marylebone Parish Church. The painting offers a snapshot of London life in the 19th century, a chaotic scene filled with contrasting moments of celebration and conflict.

Through visuals, sound effects, and interactive elements, Jon explores the societal context of the time, uncovering the meaning behind the many motifs that fill the canvas. Experience the painting’s rich history and the stories within it come to life.

Speaker

Jon Sleigh (he/him) is a freelance Learning Curator, Arts Educator, and Writer. He works nationally as a specialist in fine art and heritage engagement with a diverse portfolio of arts institutions, museum, and heritage sites across the UK. Clients include the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, The Government Art Collection and the Wallace. Prior to this Jon worked for Birmingham Museums Trust in round one of the acclaimed ACE National Partners Program.  He curates’ exhibitions, produces events, delivers tours, writes about art history, and consults on arts and heritage engagement. Jon has built a national reputation for innovation, applied ethics and delivery of projects reflecting inclusive futures. He has a passion for challenging and underrepresented narratives in art – co-producing with communities to bringing their lived experience to artworks for advocacy.

£5

(£15 to attend all 4 lectures)

Wednesday 9th April

6:30-7:30pm in the Crypt

(with time after for questions and discussion)

2025 Lecture Series: Sights and Sounds of Marylebone

In celebration of St Marylebone’s rich heritage, the 2025 Lecture Series returns, inviting you on a sensory journey that brings the past to life. Through a series of evening talks, we offer you the opportunity to explore history not just as events, but as experiences.  

We have an incredible selection of historians and educators who will each give the audience the opportunity to engage with visuals, audio, and even tastes, textures and smells…