Travel to Renaissance Italy for a discussion of Maggie O'Farrell's reimagining of the life of Lucrezia de' Medici, a young duchess navigating marriage, power and court life. Collections Manager Jane Whittaker will illuminate the world of Renaissance Italy through furniture and portraits from the museum's collection, using a hand-picked selection of objects to enrich conversation around the novel and its historical setting.

Unravel the web of secrets within Alice Feeney's psychological thriller, where an anniversary getaway to a remote chapel exposes the fragile games people play in relationships. Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion and Textiles, will explore themes of marriage and celebration through objects and materials ranging from cotton to silk, providing intriguing connections between fiction and the collection.

Be transported into Matt Haig's thought-provoking novel about Nora Seed, who finds herself in a mysterious library where every book offers the chance to explore a different version of her life. Reflecting on themes of regret, hope and possibility, the discussion will be introduced by Howard Coutts, Curator of Fine Art and Design, who will draw connections to the museum's collection of historic books, including illustrations by poet and artist William Blake.