Join world-renowned arms and armour scholar, Keith Dowen, and master prop armourer, Tim Lewis, for an evening in conversation on how historic arms and armour have inspired the worlds of film and television.

Drawing on the Wallace Collection's extensive holdings and our new display Cosimo I de' Medici: Art and Dynasty, learn how surviving objects shape everything from faithful reproductions to the fantastical weapons seen on screen. Discover how designs are researched and made, the challenges of translating museum pieces for modern audiences, and the real historical sources behind some of fantasy's most recognisable creations.

About the speakers: Tim Lewis' work can often be seen in the hands of the world's best-known actors in TV and film. After studying model-making, he combined his design and manufacturing expertise with a passion for film and historical weaponry, beginning his career at Zorg Ltd. alongside renowned armourer Simon Atherton. His credits include Kingdom of Heaven (2006), Apocalypto (2006), Robin Hood (2010) and War Horse (2011). More recently, he has also led armoury departments on productions including The Last Duel (2021), House of the Dragon (2022–), The Rings of Power (2022) and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026–).

Keith Dowen is an historian, archaeologist and authority on arms and armour. Formerly Curator of Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection, he has worked with many national and international institutions including the Royal Armouries in Leeds, where he served as Assistant Curator. He is a Fellow of both the Society of Antiquaries and Royal Historical Society and has published and lectured widely on all aspects of arms and armour and military history.

Take part at the museum: Join us at the museum for this special talk, followed by drinks, book signing and after-hours access to our exhibition, Winston Churchill: The Painter, until 20.45. 

Watch online: This talk will also be broadcast live from the museum via Zoom. Online ticketholders will be emailed a link to join 24 hours in advance. Ticketholders will also receive a link to view a recording of the talk, which will be available for two weeks.