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In the autumn of 1508, Michelangelo put the first brushstroke to his most ambitious creation, his vast fresco cycle recounting the legends in the Book of Genesis. In his new study of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, writer and broadcaster Andrew Grahama-Dixon tells the fascinating humanstory behind its creation and alayses its many layers of meaning

Fleet Street legend Ann leslie's autobigraphy is a witty, incident-filled account of her life as one of the most influential journalists of our time. Ann was appointed Foreign Correspondent of the Daily Mail almost 40 years ago, an association that still endures, and was made a dame in 2007 for her pioneering journalism.

The culmination of young peoples' creative work during the summer will be the presentaion of awards including the Borough's youth Laureate for 2008. To book tickets please contact the Orange Tree Theatre, telephone 020 8892 9446 or email info@artsrichmond.gov.uk.

Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor of Oxford and Newcastle Universities, is one of our most far-thinking politicians. His latest book is certain to be an international bestseller as a guide to the dangerous times the world is facing. To book tickets telephone 020 8892 9446 or email info@artsrichmond.org.uk.

If you were marooned on a desert island, what books would you take to sustain you while you waited for rescue? Novelist Lee Langley, is back by popular demand with four literary guests. To book tickets please telephone The Orange Tree Theatre on 020 8940 3633.

Frances Osborne has drawn on family letters and diaries to explore the story of her great-grandmother, Idina Sackville, who shocked society by abandoning her young sons and running off to Africa. An inspiration for Nancy Mitford's character, the Bolter, her story is one of heartbreak, and paints a vivid portrait of high society a century ago

In his major BBC television series this year, Jonathan Dimbleby made an epic journey across Russia in a quest to understand this vast and mysterious country. In this riveting and timely book, Jonathan reveals a country in transition; a rapidly rising energy superpower but also a place of corruption and repression.

Turn the pages of your very own book! Explore the ways of making books with book designer Frances Kiernan. The session will introduce parents and children to a range of easy to make books and demonstrate how to create a simple sewn or folded structure which children will be able to write in, illustrate and take home

Leading playwright and novelist Michael Frayn has written 16 plays ranging from 'Noises off' to 'Copenhagen'. His new book, a collection of writings on theatre from 1970 to 2008, covers half a lifetime, the whole range of his theatrical writing, and forms an essential commentary on his life and work. in conversation with Bamber Gascoigne, with whom Michael Frayn collaborated in his early career. To book tickets please telephone The Orange Tree Theatre on 020 8940 3633.

Richard Attenborough has teamed up with Diana Hawkins, a friend and collegue for 50 years, to write a revelatory and funny account of their unusual partnership and his extraordinary life. A long-time resident of Richmond and a much-loved actor director and producer, Richard Attenborough, has won numerous artistic awards, worked tirelessly for charitable causes and became a peer in 1993. To book tickets please telephone The Orange Tree Theatre on 020 8940 3633.

Richard Fortey is former Senior Palaentologist at London's Natural History Museum and he takes us behind locked doors to give a fascinating account of a hidden world of untold treasures. He combines rigorous professional learning with a gift for prose that sparkles with wit.

Do you have what it takes to be a writer? Join Pam Walter for a creative writing workshop exploring teenage and young adult fiction. Discuss award-winning novels, learn ways into writing and how to turn your ideas and experiances into a best selling plot.

Television presenter Gail Porter will talk aboutn her autobiography, an account of her early life as a model before becoming a presenter and parent. It is an honest and inspirational story of her journey overcoming anorexia, bipolar disorder and alopecia. For 12-18 year olds but everyone welcome. Under 18s (£3) and Students (£5) please call box office to order tickets

Bring your whole family along to Orleans House Gallery for a magical afternoon of storytelling in our beautiful baroque Octagon Room. Unleash your imagination working with a professional storyteller to weave tales inspired by our beautiful buildings and extraordinary exhibitions. Storytelling sessions, lasting approximately 3o minutes, will take place throughout the afternoon. Free event, suitable for the whole family. Children must be accompanied. Part of Open Weekend, celebrating the launch of the Cultural Olympiad.

Our exciting weekly workshops give budding young artists the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic media with our experienced gallery staff and visiting artists. Art club (10 to 15 years) provide after school art workshops.Every Thursday from 18 September to 11 December(no art club during the half term 30 October). This facility is only available for existing Art Club members. All Art Club members must be approved by the Gallery Co-ordinator.

Our exciting weekly workshops give budding young artists the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic media with our experienced gallery staff and visiting artists. Art club (5 to 10 years) provide after school art workshops. Every Thursday from 18 September to 11 December (no art club during the half term session - 30 October). This facility is only available for existing Art Club members. All Art Club members must be approved by the Gallery Co-ordinator.

Our exciting weekly workshops give budding young artists the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic media with our experienced gallery staff and visiting artists. Art club (5 to 12 years) provide after school art workshops Dates - Autumn term 2008. Every Wednesday from 17 September to 10 December. (No art club during the half term session- 28 October). This facility is only available for existing Art Club members. All Art Club members must be approved by the Gallery Co-ordiinator.

come with friends and watch a scary film in the coach house; complete with popcorn and drinks

Santa returns for his annual visit to the Octagon at Orleans House Gallery. Come and join in the festive fun, take part in Christmas art activities and meet Santa in person. Suitable for children aged 5-10 years. Booking essential: please call the gallery on 020 8831 6000 or visit our website where you can book online at www.richmond.gov.uk/arts All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Celebrate the Big Draw and get the whole family drawing at this free family workshop led by a professional artist. Suitable for the whole family; children must be accompanied.