The Department Reading Group and Workshops with Damien Robinson
Supported by Pluto Press
Join us for our in person reading group and protest sign making series of workshops at The Old Waterworks in Southend. In these sessions artist Damien Robinson will guide us through John Pring's publication 'The Department; How a Violent Government Bureaucracy Killed Hundreds and Hid the Evidence'. To counteract the heavy subject matter of the book, Damien will also be supporting us to make our own protest signs for the issues that effect us the most.
Each session will focus on a chapter of The Department by John Pring as well as discussion on the wider implications in today’s current political environment.
Each event will include group discussion and an additional artist led workshop to support the themes of the book. There will be breaks, refreshments (with vegan and gluten free biscuit options, plant and cow milks), tea and coffee and soft drinks.
Attendees are welcome to stay and socialise after the sessions end, or head off straight away.
Upon booking your ticket you will be invited to collect your copy of the book from The Old Waterworks in preparation for the sessions. We also have a downloadable version for those who would prefer a digital copy.
The Old Waterworks has the following access provisions in place:
- Entry ramp
- Dimmable lighting
- An enlarger
- Colour overlays for books
- Digital download code or physical copy of the book
- BSL interpretation for these sessions
- Sessions will follow Chatham House Rule - what’s discussed in the sessions won’t be shared outside of the session.
Our other sessions take place on:
Saturday 02 August 2025. 11am - 2pm
Saturday 16 August 2025. 11am - 2pm
About your host Damien Robinson:
Damien Robinson is a visual artist working with digital and found media, mixing simple analogue approaches with high-tech equipment and strategies. Based in Southend-on-Sea, she re-purposes and recycles found and donated materials, exploring and intermixing contemporary and historical technologies. She often collaborates with other artists, and additionally designs and facilitates education and participatory initiatives in galleries, educational, and community settings.
