Verity Babbs in conversation with John Griff

Friday 17 October

7pm - 9pm

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

£7 per person ticket only

Join Verity Babbs in conversation with John Griff, columnist, commercial podcast producer and presenter, as they discuss Verity’s new book, The History of Art in One Sentence.

In The History of Art in One Sentence (publishing 2nd October 2025), Verity hurtles through 50 key art historical movements, answering ten important and often surprising questions about each – in just one sentence. These fascinating, hilarious, and digestible nuggets of art wisdom cover not just the fundamentals and the artworks themselves, but questions ranging from why did Courbet never paint an angel? to what should one wear to a Bauhaus party?

This event will be followed by an opportunity to buy copies of Verity book. Verity will also be available to sign copies.

When you checkout you can reserve a copy of Verity's book for £14.99 which will be available when you arrive at the event.

Verity Babbs is an art historian, presenter, comedian, and author from Northamptonshire. She received her History of Art BA from the University of Oxford, spending her three years there performing with both The Oxford Imps and the Oxford Revue. Since graduating Verity has written for the Guardian and ArtNet News, has worked with the Tate, National Gallery, the National Film and Television School, and Royal Museums Greenwich, and her sell-out comedy-art show Art Laughs made its Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2022.

John Griff enjoyed a musical upbringing. Born in Northampton, he sang with the renowned St John’s College Choir in Cambridge, making records, touring the world and performing on television and radio. On leaving school, John first worked in banking - it taught him many of the skills he would subsequently go on to use in a broadcasting career, of over 40 years to date.

Having presented professionally for a variety of local and national broadcast organisations, John is also a commercial podcast producer and presenter, having worked with a variety of corporate clients including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, West and North Northamptonshire Councils, amongst others. Through his production company John now helps clients develop their own communications, presentation and broadcast skills. He’s hosted numerous public events and has for many years been a columnist for the Northampton Chronicle and Echo newspaper.

Away from work, John is an Ambassador of both the Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust. In 2019, he was honoured by being commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire. He enjoys motorsport and photography – and continues to benefit from a little singing from time to time.

Guests can enjoy a selection of drinks from our paid bar, available during the event.

Tickets are also available to purchase direct from the museum in person or by calling 01604 526322 Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Road, Northampton, United Kingdom