Totem: The Untold Story of Sculpture with Jo Baring
Join Jo Baring and Laura Freeman for a lively conversation about the stories, ideas and human impulses behind sculpture. From prehistoric carvings to contemporary icons, Totem explores why we have been making sculpture for 40,000 years – and what these extraordinary objects can tell us about ourselves. Members receive discounted tickets – log into your account and your discount will be applied automatically.
Overview
What can a 40,000-year-old carving tell us about the way we see the world today?
Join art historian and curator Jo Baring for an evening exploring the stories, ideas and obsessions behind some of the world’s most fascinating sculptures, as she discusses her new book, Totem: The Untold Story of Sculpture, in conversation with Laura Freeman, Chief Art Critic of The Times.
Named one of The New York Times’ most anticipated non-fiction books of 2026, Totem takes us on a journey from prehistoric carvings and ancient monuments to the work of artists including Michelangelo, Barbara Hepworth, Louise Bourgeois and Antony Gormley. Along the way, Jo asks what sculpture can reveal about us – our beliefs, our fears, our ambitions and our enduring desire to make our mark.
Expect a lively conversation, followed by an opportunity to put your own questions to Jo and Laura in an audience Q&A. The evening will finish with a book signing.
Guests are invited to arrive from 5.30pm for a complimentary drink ahead of the talk at 6pm. The event will finish at 7.30pm.
This will be the final stop on Jo Baring’s Totem book tour.
“Groundbreaking” – Katy Hessel
“Lively and passionate” – Sir Antony Gormley
“A revelation” – Kate Bryan
About
Jo Baring
Jo Baring is Director of the Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art and founder of the Ingram Prize. Her popular podcast, Sculpting Lives, was named The Guardian’s ‘Podcast of the Week’ and selected as a leading arts podcast by The Times, the Royal Academy and the Evening Standard.
Jo has given talks at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, Tate, the Royal Academy and the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, among others. She has also written and presented art films for HENI Talks and appeared on BBC and Channel 4.
Laura Freeman
Laura Freeman is Chief Art Critic of The Times and author of Ways of Life: Jim Ede and the Kettle's Yard Artists.