What we're reading:
- A blast of Lagos colour rocks Dulwich's Old Masters.
- 10 of the most unusual London homes for sale right now.
- A letter from a grandfather who used to live in the Tower of London.
- What's the difference between London's Quietways and Cycle Superhighways?
Things to do:
KARL AND ELEANOR MARX: Explore the roots of Marx's ideology at the British Library, where the philosopher worked on his most celebrated book, Das Kapital. You can see his Reader Ticket, as well as one of only 25 surviving first edition copies of the Communist Manifesto. Plus, discover how his daughter Eleanor followed in his footsteps. British Library, free, just turn up, until 5 August
A NEWER PERSPECTIVE: British surrealist Patrick Hughes' mind-bending paintings have come to Mayfair to screw with your sense of perspective. His illusory interiors will be available for you to mull over all summer. Flowers Gallery (Mayfair), free, just turn up, until 1 September
PLANTS, POISON AND POIROT: Nature is healing, but it can also be deadly. Learn about the dangers posed by certain plants, particularly those utilised as a method of poison in Agatha Christie's Whodunnits. You'll get a chance to explore some of the plants discussed in a tour of the RCP garden. Royal College of Physicians (Regents Park), £10, book ahead, 1.30pm-6pm
HYDE PARK YOGA: Just another manic Monday? Find a moment of calm in Hyde Park where Ashtanga and Vinyasa specialist Avni Dhanani is hosting an alfresco flow yoga class. Hyde Park, £15, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
MARKETING MAVERICKS: Looking to get ahead in the big bad world of marketing? Giles Lury, Director of The Value Engineers, makes a case for being rebellious by showing off marketing strategies that go against the grain. Your ticket includes a drinks reception. Museum of Brands (Notting Hill), £39, book ahead, 6.30pm-9pm
LONDON CRAFT CLUB: Store your sunnies, beach read, and SPF in style with the help of this summer beach bag workshop. You'll start off with a plain straw bag, and then decorate it with whatever you want — pom poms, ribbons, paint — with the help of an experienced tutor. Drink, Shop, & Do (King's Cross), £49, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm
THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN: It's alive! See Hammer horror classic The Curse of Frankenstein, starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing at The Institute of Light. Author Dr Kathryn Harkup will introduce the monster flick with a primer on the science behind the original novel, including a practical guide to collecting, assembling and reanimating your own Frankenstein’s monster, 18th century-style. The Institute of Light (Hackney), £6, book ahead, 7.15pm
JOHNNY PELHAM AND HARRIET KEMSLEY: Taking inspiration from the Cornell University study where two fictional women named Joan were judged by female students, comedian Harriet Kemsley takes on slut shaming in a deeply personal hour of stand up. She's joined by BBC Radio New Comedy Awards finalist Jonny Pelham, who returns with a brand new solo show. Battersea Arts Centre, £8, book ahead, 7.30pm
THE MILLENNIALS: Ah, Generation Y. Charged by the tabloids for offences ranging from killing the napkin industry to a gluttonous avocado habit. Isn't about time we saw what millennials make of their own generation? That's exactly the point of this showcase of new writing — see the eight works by new up and coming playwrights on the theme of disconnect. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £12, book ahead, 7.30pm
SHOOT FROM THE HIP: Angel Comedy Club's resident improv troupe is back at The Camden Head to bring you some of the UK's finest acts in the biz. The Camden Head (Islington), free, just turn up, 8pm-10pm
Good cause of the day
How does a 540 foot abseil down Broadgate Tower sound? If you're scared of heights, you've got about a month and half to overcome your fears and prepare to catch some incredible London views. So start fundraising for the Epilepsy Society today, and get ready for your big moment on 2 September.
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