Opium: Seduction, Greed, Art

Presented by Amanda Herries

The source of the stuff of dreams, the poppy is a beautiful, fragile flower with immense power. Opium (from the Greek ‘opion’ – poppy juice) is a hypnotic bringer of sleep, delightful lethargy and relief from pain. It is also highly addictive. Greed led to the introduction of this hugely desirable substance first to China, and then to
Europe. The beguiling seduction of its effects led to its use to quieten troubled minds and calm agitated children and babies. Its use – often by those with troubled minds – led to the creation of great works of art in music, art and literature. Social and art history meet as this lecture unfolds

Dates and Locations

Saturday 17 October 2026 Gold Coast (QLD)

Wednesday 21 October 2026 Brisbane (QLD)

Thursday 22 October 2026 Brisbane (QLD)

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