Over the Counter: Poison, Pharmacy and Crime Fiction

Friday 21 October, 6pm (doors open 5.30pm) | Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum

Poison has played a significant role in crime fiction for decades.

From the University of Worcester, Charley Barnes and Lucy Arnold will be discussing how poison – particularly poison obtainable from chemist’s shops and other legitimate sources – has been represented by writers over the years.

Their topics will range from the relationship between poison and science, poisonous substances and domesticity, poison and gender, to Dorothy L Sayers’s novel ‘Strong Poison’.

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum’s recreated chemist shop will be open so you can explore inside during the evening. This fascinating part of the museum is usually only open on the first Tuesday of each month, so this is a special opportunity to see it after hours.

The talk itself will take place in the museum’s activity space.

Free; limited spaces – booking is essential.