Arts Society Chiswick Hosting Talk on Historical Hoaxes
Magician and historian Ian Keable to discuss examples of 18 th century deception
A etching by William Hogarth titled Cunicularii, or the Wise Men of Godliman in Consultation, published in 1726. It is a satire of a woman who claimed to have given birth to rabbits
October 27, 2025
The Arts Society Chiswick will host a public talk titled “The Century of Deception: The Birth of The Hoax in the Eighteenth Century.” The event will take place at POSK on Thursday 13 November, with doors opening at 7pm and the talk beginning at 8pm.
The speaker, Ian Keable, is both a magician and a historian. He will explore examples of deception in eighteenth-century England, a period noted for its susceptibility to elaborate hoaxes. His presentation will include accounts of rapping ghosts, a woman who claimed to give birth to rabbits, and a levitating Frenchman in a Chinese temple. These stories attracted attention from prominent figures of the time, including Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin, and Jonathan Swift, and contributed to public debates about gullibility in English society.
MR Keable holds a first-class degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford and is a qualified chartered accountant. He later transitioned into a career in magic and is a member of the Inner Magic Circle. His work has included television appearances and radio presentations.
The lecture begins at 8pm, with doors and a private bar opening at 7pm. Tickets are available on the door for £15. The event is open to the public and is part of The Arts Society Chiswick’s ongoing programme of cultural talks.
Membership of the Arts Society Chiswick includes ten expert lectures on the second Thursday of every month (except August and December) and the opportunity to participate in tours, visits, social events and Special Interest Days. Half year Membership available from 1 July. For more information see the society's web site.
The Arts Society Chiswick brings people together through a shared curiosity for the arts, to create opportunities for everyone to be part of a diverse community in which they can enjoy, learn about, participate in, and preserve the Arts and Cultural Heritage.
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