Free things to do this week ft. Vivienne Westwood, The Antifascists + more

Vivienne Westwood Live Screening at Central Library (pictured)
Iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood will be stopping by the British Library this Monday to talk about the importance of reading and some of her favourite books, but you don’t have to head all the way down to London to catch her: The event is being simulcast at libraries all over the country, including Manchester’s Central Library. At this free screening you can catch the full discussion and Q&A from the comfort of the Central Library’s performance space. Booking ahead is recommended, as this is likely to get busy.
Mon 18 Sep, Central Library, St Peters Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. 7pm – 8.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

The Antifascists Screening at Partisan Collective
Partisan Collective is a brand new DIY venture on Cheetham Hill road, that not only offers office space to creative and activist groups, but also hosts interesting gigs and cultural events. This Tuesday, Manchester Antifascists are putting on a screening of Swedish filmmaker Emil Ramos’ recent documentary The Antifascists, which takes a sympathetic but not uncritical look at the anti-fascist movement and its militant opposition to the rising tide of far-right hate all over Europe. With all eyes currently on the rise of the American right and the violence in Charlottesville, it’s a sobering look at a Nazi terror that’s uncomfortably close to home. The screening is preceded by the 2012 antifascist short 161 > 88. This event is technically free to enter, but there’s a suggested £3 donation to go towards future activism.
Tue 19 Sep, Partisan Collective, 19 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M4 4FY. 7pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

Sir Humphry Davy Letters at Central Library
And we’re back at Central Library again this Wednesday afternoon, for this talk and workshop on Humphry Davy, the 19th Century chemist and inventor, credited – amongst other things – with the discovery of the elements sodium and potassium. One of his other great achievements was the ‘Davy Lamp’, a safety lamp designed to be safely transported down a mineshaft at a time when naked flames were a frequent cause of explosions. At Letters and the Lamp: Sir Humphry Davy, 1778-1829 Lancaster University’s Dr. Andrew Lacey will take you through Davy’s private letters, shedding some light on this period in the history of Science.
Wed 20 Sep, Central Library, St Peters Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. 2pm – 5pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Manchester School of Art MA Show Private Viewing
From this weekend until Saturday 7 October, you can catch the final pieces from 2016/7 Master’s students at Manchester School of Art at school’s MA Art Show. This Thursday evening, they’re also offering a free advance look, so you can get first peek at the tomorrow’s artists. See our full preview for more details.
Thu 21 Sep, Manchester School of Art, various buildings, Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints, Manchester M15 6BH. Tel: 0161 247 1751, 5.30pm – 8.30pm, art.mmu.ac.uk