2018 PEN Gala Dinner with special guest, Martin Amis

Brilliant, incisive and savagely funny, award-winning author Martin Amis, named by the Times as one of the greatest British writers since 1945, is frequently controversial but never dull.

On February 20th, 2018 PEN Canada and Martin Amis hosted an intimate evening of conversation ranging from Saul Bellow to Donald Trump: incendiary politics, literature, and the madness of crowds in the Main Hall. This event was hosted in support of PEN Canada and authors worldwide, advocating for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression.

PEN Canada is one of the 148 centres of PEN International. Founded in 1926, it has a membership of over 1,000 writers and supporters who campaign on behalf of writers around the world who are persecuted, imprisoned and exiled for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

Check out the PEN Canada website for more information here!

 

Maylee Todd: Afanyala Music Video

Maylee Todd astounds us once again with her new video release for Afanyala off her album Acts Of Love. Todd is dressed in an ornate costume standing solo in Main Hall with nothing but lighting and her delicate movements to convey the message of her lyrics, “there’s no one else like you.”

Todd has chosen The Great Hall, nicknamed her second home, for the second time within a year; last November she debuted her album with a virtual womb. She quotes, “I was going to either have people walk into a vulva or into an ear and go into the mind of someone,” she explains. “The mind is riddled with ego, identity and all sorts of things that have benefits and detriments. In the womb, nothing has been defined yet. Experience hasn’t been defined. I’m interested in inner space, inner-inner space, deep space, outer space. These dark spaces are always fascinating.”

We’re excited to see what Todd has in store for the future, but for now check out her newest video below.

Read more here

Refreshing Spring Wedding Inspiration

The Great Hall hosted a playful and delicious lemon-chiffon styled shoot beckoning for Spring to make its grand entrance. This juicy editorial featuring blush tones and lemons sprung a new-found love for yellow evoking an overwhelming sense of happiness.

A perfect combination of couture and a whimsical air – the dramatic pop of ruby on the bride’s lips ties in the delicate balance of this shoots vivid palette. The Great Hall’s Conversation Room grand windows illuminated the space displaying every little detail charmingly.

Find more photos on these blogs:

Refreshing High Fashion Spring Wedding Inspiration

CITRUS-INSPIRED LEMON WEDDING IDEAS

Credits:
Photographer: Motion D Photography | Event Venue: The Great Hall | Cinema and Video: Amaros Media | Equipment Rentals: Plate Occasions | Invitation Designer: Castlefield Design | Equipment Rentals: Cre8ive Studios | Equipment Rentals: Detailz Couture | Other: Reznick Event Carpets | Floral Designer: Secrets Floral Collection | Cake Designer: Sweet Regards Cakes by Daniela| Bridal Designer and Retailer: Stephan Caras Design | Bridal Designer: Lanesta-Armonia | Bridal Retailer: Anakoi Bridal | Model: Bella Krys | Personal Stylist: City Sophisticate | Hair Stylist: Sam’s Hairband | Makeup Artist: Emma Hughes Makeup | Event Planner: RDK Events & Communications | Submitted via Two Bright Lights