Things To Do Today In London: Tuesday 12 March 2019

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Things to do

Pop-Up Painting heads to Clapham (not pictured)

LIVE WITH WILDLIFE: We’re always being told that humans are responsible for much of the ecological destruction in the world, but how can we avoid this? Experts gather to talk about finding better ways for humans to live alongside wildlife, using real life conservation examples. ZSL London Zoo (Regent's Park), free, just turn up, 6pm-7.45pm

CROSSRAIL: Transport expert Christian Wolmar discusses his book about Crossrail, covering why it took so long to come into fruition (a journey that’s not over yet…) and how some of the construction work was undertaken. Owl Bookshop (Kentish Town), £3, book ahead, 6.30pm

ON THE COME UP: New York Times bestselling author Angie Thomas has published her second novel, On The Come Up, about a 16-year-old with dreams of becoming a superstar rapper. Writer and editor Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff chairs this discussion about the book’s themes of dreams and desperate realities. Southbank Centre, £15, book ahead, 7pm

BLACK BRITISH MEN: Longstanding ideas of British identity are challenged by podcast host Derek Owusu. He chairs a panel with bloggers and writers about the position of black men in Britain today, and what it means for them to reclaim space. Foyles Charing Cross Road, £20/£8, book ahead, 7pm-8pm

THE BATTERY: From how they work to what they’re made of, batteries are complex things. Get the answers to questions you probably never thought to ask, straight from the mouths of experts. For example, what are the geopolitical issues around sourcing materials from different countries? How can battery manufactures become more sustainable? You’ll never look at an AA in the same way again. Royal Institution (Mayfair), £16/£10/£7, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

Sue Black discusses her forensic science career

GREAT DIARY PROJECT: Love nosing in other people’s diaries? A staggering 2,800 journals have just been made public by the Great Diary Project. Hear some of the more interesting stories found in the diaries, presented by the project’s founders, Polly North and Irving Finkel. British Library, £12/£8, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm

NEON LIFE DRAWING: It’s life drawing, but not as you know it. For starters, the models are covered in neon paint and pose under UV lights. Artists are supplied with neon reactive art materials to recreate the bodies on paper. Drink, Shop & Do (King’s Cross), £22, book ahead, 7pm-9pm

OPEN MIC: Local musicians, comedians and spoken word artists who are just getting started in their careers take to the stage at this open mic night. It’s hosted by local singer-songwriter Gabby Colledge, and the acts would no doubt appreciate your support — plus they might be famous one day, so see them for free before then. Ritzy (Brixton), free, book ahead, 7pm-11pm

RESTLESS KINGS: Historian and author Dr Nick Barratt talks about the struggle for power that took place between Henry II, and his four sons over 800 years ago — the results of which helped shape our nation into what it is today. National Archives (Kew), £10/£8, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm

FORENSIC SCIENCE: Having spent years working as a forensic scientist, Sue Black knows a thing or two about death and bodies. Hear her talk about her career, some of the key cases she’s worked on, and how science has developed during her time in the field. Probably not an event for the squeamish. The Tabernacle (Notting Hill), £20, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm

PAINT LONDON: Whether you’re a regular painter or you haven’t picked up a brush since primary school, everyone’s welcome at Pop-Up Painting’s London themed event. All materials and plenty of guidance are provided to allow you to create your own version of Wyland Tondelier’s London scene. The Jam Tree (Clapham), £26.99, book ahead, 7.30pm-10pm

Tube ponderings with Barry Heck

Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.

Know the story of the one-legged tube engineer ‘Bumper’ Harris? In 1911, he rode the tube’s first escalator at Earl’s Court, to reassure passengers that it was safe. His walking stick and pocket watch are on show at London Transport Museum. Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.

Good cause of the day

Book ahead for art exhibition Multicolour, coming to 9 Cork Street in March. When the Calais Jungle Camp was demolished in 2016 Simon Butler, founder of refugee charity Migrate Art, gathered the remaining crayons and pencils from camp’s school. Now, artists including Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread and Richard Deacon have created new artworks using those materials. Find out more and book tickets.