Doors open – 6:00pm
Talk begins – 7:00pm
Q&A – 7:45pm
Tickets from £15 | Complimentary for Patrons
This talk will trace the use of psychedelics across cultures and centuries—drawing on historical objects, new discoveries, scientific methods, and archival evidence to examine how altered states have been recorded, understood, and ritualised. Through this lens, Luca and Tomasso will explore cutting-edge research at Imperial College London and beyond, revealing how these substances are reshaping approaches to mental health, palliative care, and the broader human experience.
By weaving together history and science, the talk invites the audience to consider that the answers to how we might use these drugs today may, in fact, lie in the past—offering a striking new perspective on an ancient practice.
About Luca Mitchell
Luca is an art historian whose work explores depictions of and attitudes toward mind altering substances in the Renaissance and antiquity. With a Master’s from the Courtauld Institute of Art, he is also director of Athena Art Foundations international society, and founder of the platform Mixed Archives, which explores the relationship between old and new art. He has collaborated with institutions including the British Museum, Versailles, the Bargello, and V&A East on programmes designed to engage younger, more diverse audiences in global history.
About Tomasso Barba
Tomasso is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London. His current research centres on brain effects of short-acting psychedelics such as DMT and 5-MeO-DMT, conducting the first neuroimaging trials of these compounds in laboratory settings with Dr Chris Timmermann. He also focuses on the role of psychedelics in treating depression and enhancing well-being. He со-authored over ten scientific papers, including five as the first author, in journals such as The Lancet EClinical Medicine and Nature Scientific Reports. This work has been widely recognised and covered by prominent media outlets, including Forbes USA, The Times, The Telegraph, Rolling Stone, and CNN.
Why not stay on for Supper Club at Pollini – join the speakers for an intimate dinner post-talk. From 8.30pm, limited capacity, book your ticket above.
