About The Age of Alchemy
Reach through time and across continents to see the history of chemistry as it's never been told.
The Enlightenment is usually credited with the origins of chemistry. But in truth, science blossomed gradually as early innovators distilled, smelted, forged and fermented their way through the millennia, blurring science and mysticism in search of answers to life's greatest mysteries. The first chemists were Sri Lankan steel forgers in the first century BCE; alchemists who emerged in Roman Egypt; herbalists in Tang Dynasty China and engineers in eighth-century South America.
Join Kit Chapman on a global quest to achieve immortality, cure all disease and transmute lead into gold as he reveals the illuminating stories of how the alchemists first broke new ground and shaped the scientific method. With some experiments from Andrea Sella.
There will be a book signing after this event.
Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Science Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.
The Age of Alchemy: How Early Innovators Shaped Modern Chemistry (Hardback)
Getting Here
Parking
Pay at machine on-road parking can be found around the venue and the nearest main car park is located on St George’s Road (GL50 3DT).
Walk
The venue is a six minute walk from Montpelier Gardens and a seven min walk by foot from the town centre.
Bus & Train
Stagecoach bus services stop nearby on Montpellier and in town centre on the Promenade. The town centre is a 25-minute walk from the Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, with a taxi rank located outside the station as well as local bus services. For further information on Cheltenham bus services, please visit the Stagecoach website.
More infoAccess
The venue’s front entrance has step access, but there is a no-step entrance on the Parabola Road side of the building with push-pad access. Guide dogs are welcome and the venue is equipped with hearing enhancers.
Accessible toilets can be found by the main toilets in the venue, by the circle bar, and the dance studio – all areas can be accessed via a lift.
There is no hearing loop or assistance system in Parabola Arts Centre.
If you are uncertain about your booking we advise contacting our box office via email, by phone on 01242 850 270 during on-sale periods, or by using our Access Booking Form so that we can ensure you seating is suitable for the event you wish to attend. Our booking information page will have the most up to date box office phone opening hours.
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