A Centenary of Seven Pillars: The First Edition
2026-04-19 20:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Lawrence Lecture Series: A Centenary of Seven Pillars: The First Edition
April 19, 2026 2:00 PM (CDT-USA) 8:00 PM (UK TIME)

In print since its publication in 1926, T. E. Lawrence’s “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” has been celebrated for a century. As fewer than 200 copies of this edition were published, most readers are unfamiliar with its original artwork and typography.
Lift the covers of this book with Valerie Thompson as she examines – from oil paintings to cartoon caricatures to unusual page layouts – the unconventional inspiration and structure of Lawrence’s beloved masterpiece. Please join us for her presentation A Centenary of Seven Pillars: The First Edition on Sunday April 19th at 2:00 PM (CDT-USA) 8:00 PM (UK TIME).
This program is brought to you by the T. E. Lawrence Society and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. It is free to members and friends but one must register for it at:
Lawrence Lecture Series | A Centenary of Seven Pillars:
The First Edition | National WWI Museum and Memorial (theworldwar.org)
If you are like most you have probably not viewed or touched a copy of this rare book. So if you are curious you may view one in this video presented by Peter Harrington Rare Books at: The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T. E. Lawrence. Subscriber’s Edition 1926. Peter Harrington Rare Books – YouTube And if you would like to page through it and even have your own copy it is available (free) from the United States Library of Congress at: Seven pillars of wisdom; a triumph. | Library of Congress (loc.gov)
Again please join us on April 19th at 2:00 PM (CDT-USA) 8:00 PM (UK TIME) for Valerie Thompson’s A Centenary of Seven Pillars: The First Edition, and please share this invitation with others.

Zoom Call: Discussion with Dick Benson-Gyles
2026-05-10 20:00 - 22:00
Discussion with Dick Benson-Gyles, author of The Boy in the Mask
Sunday 10th May 2026 at 20:00 (U.K. Time) via Zoom

As a follow on from last years Zoom discussion with authors of TEL related books we are pleased to announce that Dick Benson-Giles, author of The Boy in the Mask, will discuss the writing of this masterpiece of the unravelling of T.E. Lawrence’s family background. This involved visiting Ireland and meeting many of the relatives who have now since died. Dick also spent time with Robert Graves and Faridah el Akle and has his own candidate for the identity of SA, the dedicatee of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom poem.
Dick will discuss in detail, how he went about his research and tell us some of the highlights of his journey including the time he just missed being able to meet one of T.E.s half sisters.
Kevin Winter will Chair the event and the author will be interviewed by Susan Vincent and Ann Meyer. This will then be followed by questions.
The discussion will take place on Sunday 10th May at 20:00 UK time via Zoom. The link is below.
There is no need to register but please ensure you join the discussion by clicking the link below a few minutes before 20:00 to ensure a prompt start.
T E Lawrence Society is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: A discussion with Dick Benson-Gyles
Time: May 10, 2026 08:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95781330896?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 957 8133 0896
Passcode: [REDACTED]
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Join instructions
https://zoom.us/meetings/95781330896/invitations?signature=WRnEpnpY9CobqkYgsd3DmYGLD_FB-qP3B6MrZ1_In6w

Eamonn Gearon presents: Lawrence of Arabia and ME
2026-08-07 - 2026-08-29 | Symposium Hall, 10 Hill Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9DR, United Kingdom

Symposium 2026
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20 | Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford, Godstow Road, Oxford, OX2 8AL, United Kingdom
Society Symposium Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September 2026

Our Symposium in September 2026 returns to Oxford, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford. We will welcome speakers from across the world, with a special emphasis on the centenary of the publication of the Subscribers Edition and US edition of The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
Our four-star conference centre and hotel has excellent lecture facilities and breakout areas as well as on-site parking, an indoor swimming pool, fitness suite and leisure facilities. It is situated on Godstow Road, Oxford OX2 8AL, just outside the city near Peartree Roundabout /Park and Ride, just off the A34, and there are direct buses into Oxford city centre.
The weekend programme focuses on a full programme of Saturday and Sunday lectures, incorporating our Society AGM as well as a Saturday evening drinks reception and formal dinner.
There will be an additional event on Friday afternoon, comprising a tour of the famous Wolvercote cemetery where Lawrence’s parents, J R R Tolkien and others are buried, followed by an afternoon talk.
Hotel rooms can be booked now, direct with the hotel at a special guaranteed bed and breakfast rate per person of: single Friday £175, Saturday £190; double/twin Friday £190, Saturday £205, quoting reference LHTHET180926. These bookings have free cancellation until 3pm on 11th September. You can book through other agencies but tariffs and terms and conditions may vary.
https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/oxford/leonardo-royal-hotel-oxford
Alternatively, you can choose to stay at other hotels and guest houses in Oxford city; we suggest you check that the location allows easy travel access to the Leonardo Hote in Godstow Road.
Symposium 2026 Booking Form
TELS Symposium 2026 Programme
