Immerse yourself in the Clockwork Watch story world, party with Professor Elemental and explore 19th-century London in Minecraft.

This event takes place in the British Library.

Tickets include late access to the Digital Storytelling exhibition included in the price.

Polish your cogs, get dressed up and join us for a grand steampunk shindig!

We invite you to join the world of Clockwork Watch created by Yomi Ayeni, a participatory storytelling project set in a fantastical retro-futurist vision of Victorian England, which is currently showcased in the British Library’s Digital Storytelling exhibition.

There will be a live performance by renowned chap-hop rapper Professor Elemental, artist Dr Geof will be drawing portraits, plus boffins from Blockworks and Lancaster University will be launching and giving VR demonstrations of their amazing Sherlock Holmes-themed virtual Victorian London, which they have built in Minecraft based on 19th-century maps.

Expect creative shenanigans and an opportunity to see the Digital Storytelling exhibition, along with bars for beers and cocktails. Dressing up and joining in is heartily encouraged.

Please note this is a standing event with limited seating.

Yomi Ayeni is a celebrated transmedia creator, producer, filmmaker, and storyteller. In addition to writing the Clockwork Watch story world, he is active in the international Burning Man Festival community and he lectures on Interactive Storytelling at the Royal College of Arts.

Professor Elemental is an award-winning hip hop artist, with a career spanning over a decade. Along with his live performances, Professor Elemental has notched up 12 albums, starred in a series of comics, and authored two books, Professor Elemental’s Tales of Wrong and Mea Cuppa: The Autobiography of Professor Elemental.

Blockworks are a professional design company who use Minecraft to create experiences, communities and learning environments. They work with organisations from around the world and their impressive portfolio includes making the Great Fire of London for the Museum of London and The Uncensored Library in partnership with Reporters Without Borders.

Professor Sally Bushell from the Department of English Literature and Creative Writing at Lancaster University pioneers innovative research into the teaching of 19th-century English literature via developing learning activities in Minecraft interactive literary environments.

This event accompanies the British Library’s exhibition Digital Storytelling.

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