Magnetism in the 19th Century – Talk & Soirée

Magnetism once sat at the crossroads of science, entertainment and the occult, captivating audiences across the nineteenth century.

In this in-person event at Treadwell’s, a panel of scholars joins Christina to explore the cultural power of magnetism. From Anton Mesmer’s early experiments to later developments in hypnotism and spiritism, they examine how magnetic practices blurred the boundaries between healing, theatre and magic. A Q&A follows, along with a drinks soirée upstairs. The evening also celebrates the publication of Performing Magnetism: The Theatrics of Persuasion in the Long Nineteenth Century, with copies available for purchase and signing.

Kristof Smeyers is a senior research fellow at KU Leuven. He has written books on the history of religion and the supernatural, fauna, flora and folklore.

Hannah Welslau is a doctoral researcher at the University of Antwerp. Her work focuses on spiritism, performance, and popular entertainment in Belgium. Her research is funded by The…