Please join us for a special evening with Author, Isabelle Seddon who will be in conversation with Deborah Joseph, former Editor of Glamour Magazine. The evening will focus on Isabelle’s latest book “Creating a Storm – Jewish Women in the World of Arts and Culture” a sequel to “Intrepid Pioneers”.

In this book, Isabelle highlights the remarkable contributions of British-born Jewish women in the arts during the twentieth century.  Among the well-known figures are singers Amy Winehouse, Alma Cogan, and Helen Shapiro. The book also profiles lesser-known yet significant figures such as painter Rebecca Solomon, rebellious artist Hannah Gluckstein, racing pioneer Dorothy Levitt, and writer Naomi Jacob, who challenged societal norms.

These women’s experiences are interconnected through themes of gender, Jewish identity, social status, and education.  With the shadow of the Holocaust and the legacy of their immigrant backgrounds, these women push to shape British culture in profound ways.

The event will include drinks and a light supper. Spaces are limited so please book early to secure your place.

“It is to Isabelle Seddon’s great credit that she marks the contributions of the early pioneers, as well as those who have done sterling work in more recent years.”- Rabbi Dame Julia Neuberger

About Isabelle Seddon 

Isabelle was born in Plymouth into a religious family.  She grew up there and in Bournemouth until moving to Birmingham to study mass media communications. After graduating she trained at Capital Radio and then worked as an editor at IPC magazines. At 24, she emigrated to Israel where she lived for 11 years. During that time she freelanced for the Jerusalem Post, the Israel Economist and edited the Israel Museum, Hebrew University and El Al magazines. A keen arts-lover, she ran a gallery for new immigrant artists at the Jerusalem Theatre.

After recovering from a personal tragedy, she realized she wanted to help people overcome their traumas and back in London she trained as a counsellor and drama therapist. She worked for Jewish Care, creating new activities for the elderly and ran reminiscence groups and programmes for those with mental health issues and dementia. She also worked as a counsellor in a GP’s practice.

Her love of history, telling stories and meeting new people led her to train as a City of London, Westminster and blue badge guide. She is passionate about London. She has a doctorate in philosophy, specializing in the Jewish East End of London and wrote a book, East End Jews and Left-Wing Theatre . 

Her other passions include walking and travel. Isabelle met her husband in 2001 on a charity trek along the Great Wall of China. They have been fortunate to travel the world together, taking part in intrepid adventures that have included North Korea, Iran, Papua New Guinea as well as travels across Africa and South America.