Join us for a fascinating journey into the science of sight as we explore Edwin Land's revolutionary Retinex Theory - a bold reimagining of how we perceive colour. Best known as the inventor of the Polaroid instant camera, Land was also a visionary in colour science, challenging the prevailing beliefs of his time.

In November 1973, Land presented a Friday Evening Discourse at the Ri, where he unveiled the core ideas of Retinex Theory. Through striking visual experiments, including his iconic “Mondrian” displays, Land showed that our brains play a vital role in maintaining colour constancy - allowing us to perceive colour even when classical theory says we shouldn’t.

In this talk, David Ricketts will re-envision Land’s 1973 talk, with never before seen demonstrations uncovering how we perceive and see colour. David will show how our brains work and how the colour illusions we see work – and of course, the now famous dress illusion. This talk will be entirely demonstration based – come and see colour in an entirely new way.

How To Get Your Tickets

1. Book your desired number of tickets and await an email from us confirming your order. This is NOT a ticket.

2. Present your confirmation on arrival at the venue. Ensure that you take personal ID with you or you may be turned away

Pricing Information

• You can choose a Free Ticket or a Free Ticket with £5 Donation - all £5 goes straight to the Royal Institution to continue their excellent scientific education work. Both tickets allow the same entry to the event.

• No further payment applies beyond the TFG booking fee

Additional Information

• For further event information please visit here

Accessibility Information

• Please note: We recommend all access bookings are made directly through the event organiser, however, we are here to assist where possible. Please get in touch with us prior to booking if you have access requirements. For accessibility information please visit here