Verity Babbs | Art History’s Funniest Bits

What are we missing out on when we take art too seriously? Some brilliant stories. Join us as art historian & comedian Verity Babbs leads us through some of art history’s funniest bits: artists stabbing, shagging, and slagging each other off included. Sharing stories from her recent book The History of Art in One Sentence, Verity takes us on a journey of 500 years of artists behaving badly, jaw-dropping artworks, and manifestos that’ll make you say “oh my!”. Come and celebrate the power of laughing at art, and leave seeing some of your favourite artists in a whole new light.

About the Author 

Verity Babbs is an art historian, comedian, and author of ‘The History of Art in One Sentence’ (Bloomsbury, 2025). She has appeared on BBC 2, BBC Radio 4, and BBC News as an arts expert and was named one of BBC HistoryExtra’s ’30 Under 30’ in 2024. Her art-themed comedy nights Art Laughs have performed across the country and regularly appear at the National Gallery. She has worked on filmed projects for Tate, British Museum, and London Art Fair, and has written for the Guardian, RA Magazine, and Artnet News.

What to Expect

• 60-minute comedy stand-up and discussion
• Books available to purchase
• Suitable for ages 14+

About the Venue

Stoke Minster is located on Glebe Street, ST4 1LP

Wheelchair Access: The main ground floor is fully accessible via ramps. Note that specific historical areas like the Peace Chapel and belfry require using stairs.

Toilets: An accessible toilet and general toilets are available onsite.

Parking: A car park is located directly opposite the building on Kingsway (ST4 1JB).

Additional Support: Assistance dogs are welcome.

Public transport links: The bus stop on Glebe Street is served by Routes 24 (D&G), 23 & 40A (First Potteries). The nearest Railway Station is Stoke-on-Trent Railway a 7 minute walk.

Arrival time: Doors open 30 minutes before the event

About Stoke Book Festival

Join us for a week of inspiring author talks, creative workshops, performances and community events, bringing readers and writers together from across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Stoke-on-Trent is a city built on creativity, craftsmanship and community. This October, we’re bringing those qualities together for the Stoke Book Festival.

We break down barriers to participation, champion books, inspire creativity and create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with literature, learning and culture.

By bringing together national and local talent, schools, libraries, businesses and communities, our goal is to improve engagement with reading and support youth literacy development in Stoke-on-Trent.

To discover more visit: www.StokeBookFestival.co.uk

Good to Know

• Please arrive 15–20 minutes before the event
• Late entry may not be possible once the event has started
• Tickets are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation by the festival
• Photography may be taken during the festival
• Books can be purchased on the day (subject to availability)