The Segregation of the Queen

Being Some Observations on Sherlock Holmes’ Presence in Birmingham History & Culture

An illustrated presentation by Ben Waddington

Wed 16 Sept | 6pm

110mins

£0-11

•nook• gallery, 25c Institute Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7EG


Several key Sherlock clues cluster around Birmingham's city centre, allowing a convenient 100-minute guided walk. But more clues to his cultural and historical presence in Birmingham lie further afield and can only be fully explored with a longer illustrated narrative. For this year's Birmingham Heritage Week •nook• gallery are hosting The Segregation of the Queen—an ambitious hour-long exploration of the local Sherlockian world. As with The Game's Afoot, this presentation draws connections in art, literature, film, true crime, history, science and philosophy in pursuit of Sherlock Holmes' city presence. What were his movements, and what were his methods? Was Conan Doyle covertly honouring Birmingham with his frequent references to his once home city? An affectionate homage to the world’s greatest detective will address these very questions.

The title of the talk refers to Holmes' retirement years in the South Downs, which were spent beekeeping and writing his magnum opus: Practical Handbook of Bee Culture, with Some Observations upon the Segregation of the Queen.

'Exactly Watson…behold, the fruit of the pensive nights and laborious days when I watched the little working gangs as I once watched the criminal world of London'.

The 45 min presentation will be followed by Q&A, refreshments and a chance to browse the cinema history exhibition at •nook•