Love Letters: it's a match!

A late-night celebration of love and literary longing, in partnership with England’s first romance only bookshop, Saucy Books.

Our Love Letters exhibition opens after hours for a night dedicated to the tropes, tensions and timeless thrills of romance.

Discover real historical love letters packed with heart breaking confessions, swoonworthy declarations, and yearning of the highest degree, before meeting contemporary romance authors keeping the flame alive today.

This special one-off event is bought to you in partnership with England’s first romance only bookshop, Saucy Books.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Meet contemporary romance authors, as they share the sparks behind their latest novels, and discuss the letters in the exhibition that stole their breath, broke their heart, and might go on to inspire their next great romance*
• Let the historical letter that speaks to your soul guide you to your next read at Saucy’s pop up shop or have a blind date with a book
• Discover more about the iconic literary figures featured in the Love Letters exhibition, including Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde with our collection experts
• Get a bespoke poem crafted in minutes by our speed poet in residence, perfect to give to that special someone
• Create a heartfelt card with illustrator Sharon King-Chai
• Enjoy a soundtrack of soulful, romantic beats with our live DJs The Monkey Stomp Blues
• A pop-up prosecco bar and other tasty beverages and treats from Maids of Honour
• Indulge in a bit of red-hot retail therapy at our shop

*authors to be announced in March.
Line up subject to change.

HOW TO FIND US

The nearest stations to The National Archives are Kew Gardens, which is served by the District tube line and the London Overground line, and Kew Bridge, served by South West Trains. You can find out more about how to find us on our website.

PARKING

There will be free but limited parking onsite. If you are arriving or departing by car or taxi, please note that our sat nav postcode is TW9 4AD and that access is via Bessant Drive.

NOTICE

This event is strictly 18 years old and above and you may be asked for proof of age on entry. All bars will be card payments only.

There will be photography taking place during this event. The photographs will be for future promotional use by The National Archives. If you do not wish to have your photo taken, please speak to a member of staff at the event about opting out. We will provide stickers for those who choose not to opt in for photography.