School of Social and Political Science

Description

Professor Emma Tarlo explores serendipity, writing, and lived anthropology - from global hair trade to friendship in London.

Join Us for Serendipity and the Craft of Anthropology!

The University of Edinburgh is delighted to host Emma Tarlo as part of The British Academy Lecture Series.

In this lecture, Emma Tarlo reflects on her long-term engagement in the craft of anthropology and her experiments with developing new forms of anthropological non-fiction writing and exhibition making. Drawing on experiences which range from tracking the global trade in human hair across different continents to sharing food and friendship with two men living without shelter near her home in central London, she argues for the importance of serendipity in anthropological research and shares what she has learned about putting anthropological ideas into practice both in writing and in life.

Tarlo is Professor Emerita of Anthropology at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her recent books include Entanglement: The Secret Lives of Hair (Victor Turner Prize 2017) and Under the Hornbeams. She was a Cullman Fellow at the New York Public Library (2024–25).

Chair on behalf of The University of Edinburgh:

Janet Carsten, Professor Emerita of Social and Cultural Anthropology

Event timing:

• 17:00-17:30 Arrival and registration
• 17:30-18:45 Professor Emma Tarlo's Lecture
• 18:45-19:00 Audience Q&A
• 19:00-19:45 Drinks reception

Please note: Venue entry is via the Main Entrance located at the front of the building, off Lauriston Place. The approach to the entrance has bollards. The entrance area is clearly signed.