Secrets of the Thames writers' workshop

Let Luke Jerram's moon installation spark new poems and stories.

8.30am – 10am

Fri 6 Feb 2026

from £25.00

Book now

Begin your morning with a burst of creativity as writer Gemma Seltzer leads a Write & Shine workshop set within Secrets of the Thames, the UK’s first major mudlarking exhibition.

One of the exhibition’s centrepieces is Luke Jerram’s moon installation – a vast, glowing sphere printed with detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface.

Paired with a soundscape of tides and mudlarkers’ calls, the installation offers a contemplative space to reflect on the moon’s role in revealing London’s hidden past. It’s an extraordinary setting to write and imagine.

Gemma will guide you through a range of creative exercises to spark new poems, stories and life writing.

In the quiet and still time before the museum opens to the public, explore the exhibition itself, taking inspiration from its evocative and immersive spaces, artworks and mysterious mudlarking finds.

Book your tickets online in advance for the lowest price

How to attend:

In-person only

Duration:

90 mins

Concessions:

Some concessions may be available – read our policy

What's included & what to expect

Open to all levels, whether you're new to writing, have some experience or simply curious to explore your creativity. You won’t be expected to share your writing, which offers great freedom and encourages all kinds of fascinating ideas to emerge.

Ticket price includes the workshop, coffee, tea and breakfast pastries, plus access to the Secrets of the Thames exhibition.

Find out more about Write & Shine.

Opening times

London Museum Docklands is open every day 10am – 5pm.

If you have time, why not also visit our free galleries and get more in-depth with Docklands history? And don't forget to check out our Secrets of the Thames exhibition uncovering the hidden world of mudlarking.

Getting here

Our address is London Museum Docklands, No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. We're just a few minutes away from Canary Wharf and West India Quay.

Check our need to know page to get the answers to all the frequently asked questions about visiting.

Shop, eat & drink

Our cafe is the perfect place to sit down and relax for a bite or tea break. We have sandwiches, pastries, snacks and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.

You’ll also find our shop with a curated range of gifts and souvenirs, including posters, prints, toys, books and jewellery.

More about shopping, eating & drinking