ANDREW LOUND
Andrew has been presenting public lectures and staging
exhibitions for over 30 years and has participated in over 2,300
events.
He regularly tours the UK with his Odyssey Class Dramatic
Lectures and is invited back time and again due to popular demand.
He has also worked in USA and in 2005 became the first western
science speaker to tour Libya following the removal of sanctions.
Due to the success of this work Andrew was asked to return to
Libya in 2006 and project managed a science team and public
awareness team to observe the total eclipse of the Sun, promote safe
observation and stage a lecture tour. Andrew is the UK Regional
Coordinator for The Planetary Society, which is the world’s largest
space group.
He can be heard regularly on BBC radio WM where he is known as
“The Urban Space man” or “WM’s Titanic Expert...” His current
projects include working with the California Institute of Technology
JPL on promoting the Cassini Mission to Saturn and The Antoniadi
Project – a space-probe to the Hellas Region on Mars. He is also
developing new computer techniques for use in public lectures.
Andrew is a man of many interests who specializes in space science
and astronomy from both a current and historical perspective.
Another main area of interest for Andrew is the Titanic. After many
years of dedicated research he is now recognized as one of the
worlds leading authorities on the subject.
SAMPLE LIST OF TALKS
(Note this is only a sample of available talks)
Odyssey Dramatic Lectures featuring images, music, costume and a
dramatic performance.
TITANIC THE RETURN OF A DREAM
The most famous ocean liner in history must be the Titanic. In
this highly acclaimed presentation the story of the ship from her
conception in 1907 to rediscovery in 1985 is told in dramatic
fashion. Illustrated by fabulous images with numerous effects, audio
effects, music, props and a very dramatic and emotional performance.
Titanic like you have never heard it before. Be prepared for the
voyage of your life
SATURN - THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Galileo thought it was a multiple planet, Wren, Huygens and
Hevelius were fascinated by it. It was found that this giant world
was less dense than water, and by the 1980s this world had the most
moons known of any planet – only to lose out to Jupiter much later!
It is of course Saturn. In July 2004 the Cassini/Huygens probe
reached Saturn to begin several years of study of the Lord of the
Rings. Andy entertains us with the story of the observation of
Saturn with a review and update on the Cassini Mission. See the
latest images and hear the sound of dust hitting the spacecraft, HD
video inserts, With Moons and rings to delight the eye and stimulate
the imagination, with music to inspire and enchant this is one
presentation not to be missed.
TO SEE THE BEGINNING OF TIME
The Hubble Space telescope is giving humankind a view of the
universe never even imagined. From dust clouds to star studded
galaxies our minds have been opened to a universe that blends
outstanding beauty with mind-boggling scales. Looking into deep
space we are looking ever further back in time as it takes the light
from the most distance objects many millions of years to reach the
mirror of the Hubble. This lecture is illustrated by some of the
most beautiful natural images one will ever see and is accompanied
by music and HD video. Sit back, relax and let your mind drift into
the far reaches of the universe.
LUNATICK ASTRONOMY
The Lunar Society was one of the most influential groups in the
18th century, no aspect of science and industry was overlooked at
their monthly dinner parties. Although the development of the steam
engine and coinage production became the main focus for Matthew
Boulton, he had developed a passion for astronomy. Andy Lound tells
the story of the Lunar Society’s interests in astronomy based on new
research that has revealed some surprising facts! A dramatic
presentation beautifully illustrated and accompanied by music and
presented with 18th century flair! Accompanying book available.
VENUS – PARADISE LOST
Venus is a world that has been viewed in numerous ways, firstly
as an ocean paradise, the planet of love, perhaps even two worlds
one in the morning and one in the evening. Now we know it is one
world - a hot corrosive world. Andy provides an entertaining history
of the planet illustrated by awesome images spanning over 100 years
of observation by telescope and space probe. The images and HD Video
are accompanied by a very special arrangement of music that
envelopes the audience. Who said science isn’t romantic?
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
In 1898 H.G. Wells wrote a “Romance of Science” that became a
watershed in literature. The story of an invasion from Mars shocked
and thrilled Victorians. Wells did not realize that he had laid down
the blue print for a century of alien invasion stories with his own
story being reproduced in plays, radio plays, movies and even
records. Andy dramatic tells the history of the famous book and
subsequent incarnations with video, images and audio. Be prepared
for an entertaining invasion evening
MARS ODYSSEY
Even a journey of 35 million miles must begin by one step, a step
that will begin the Mars Odyssey. Mars has influenced numerous
cultures effecting legends, religious beliefs and scientific
development. Andy Lound traces the history of Mars exploration
taking us on a journey of great human tragedy, of scientific
discovery and of intense debate that has changed forever our
perception of the universe. More of a performance than a lecture, it
is illustrated with quality images, music and numerous props! So
prepare to be taken on an odyssey that will end one day with a human
foot making an imprint in the Martian soil.
SPUTNIK – AROUND THE WORLD IN 90 MINUTES
October 4th 1957 is the date many consider the beginning of the
Space Race. The launch of the world’s first artificial satellite was
not quite the surprise many writers would have us believe it to be.
In a presentation filled with period images, archive film, and music
Andrew captures the drama of those heady days when rocket engineers
dared to dream of spaceflight fighting against political
intransigence. It is a story of opportunities lost and cold war
intrigue. The countdown has started…..
APOLLO – A MOON ODYSSEY
President Kennedy laid down a remarkable challenge to the Soviet
Union stating that “..before this decade was out..” the United
States would “..land a man on the Moon and return him safely to the
Earth”. Andy dramatically tells the story of the Apollo project
tracing the highs and lows, the sweat and tears of the most
ambitious and daring mission in history. Illustrated with images,
accompanied by sound, HD video and music. The Eagle has landed
CHARIOTS OF FIRE
The Chinese used them for entertainment, Congreve as a weapon but
who would have thought that the rocket held the key to reaching
space? Herman Ganswindt and Konstantin Tsiolkowki did, but
engineering technology was not in step with their ideas. It would
take a shy American and a team of enthusiastic Germans to develop
the means of reaching space. Andy illustrates a history of the
rocket expressing the ups and downs of development using rare
images, video and audio. A story that will surprise many as the
‘what might have beens’ are explored.
THE GRAND TOUR OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
An informal guide to our Solar System taking us on a journey from
the Sun to the far reaches of the Solar System visiting along the
way planets, moons, asteroids and comets. Illustrated with the very
latest images and supplemented with music this is an ideal
presentation for all the family. Also available is a version
suitable for schools (age 7 – 10 years) as part of the Urban
Spaceman school visit where our host appears dressed in a full space
suit
A FIRE IN THE SKY
In 1908 a fireball raced through the deep blue skies of northern
Russia ending with a massive explosion. Witnessed by numerous people
this event became known as one of the great mysteries of the 20th
century. The name Tunguska conjures up thoughts of alien spacecraft,
black holes, anti-matter and fear. In this dramatic telling of the
Tunguska story brought up to date with the latest research, the
whole incident is investigated with rare images, archive HD video
and a dramatic and entertaining performance. Will you ever feel safe
again?
WILFUL MURDER? – THE SINKING OF THE LUSITANIA
Warfare has always produced a number of horrendous incidents, but
one remains as controversial today as it did in 1915 – the sinking
of the crack Cunard liner ‘Lusitania’. In a dramatic presentation
featuring music and visual effects Andrew traces the history of the
ship, the circumstances of her demise and efforts to salvage the
wreck. With the sinking of the Lusitania the myth of chivalrous
warfare was exploded forever. A performance to remember.
URANUS – GEORGE’S PLANET
Humankind was comfortable in the knowledge that the heavens
contained numerous stars, 8 heavenly bodies, various comets and
miscellaneous nebulae. Then one night in 1781 William Herschel
changed all that when he discovered a new planet. It would be nearly
200 years before humans would get a close up view of this strange
planet – tipped on its side and sporting rings and moons. This
dramatic lecture tells the exciting story of planetary discovery
with stunning images and accompanied by music and video. An
entertaining presentation when 18th century flair meets modern
science.
THE DISCOVERY OF NEW WORLDS
In 1781 William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus and doubled
the size of the Solar System. Since that time numerous worlds have
been discovered and old worlds have had their surfaces imaged by
spacecraft. Andy takes us on a dramatic voyage of exploration to the
worlds in our solar system telling the tales of the explorers, of
the bravery, the controversy, and offers a glimpse of worlds beyond
our Solar System. Illustrated by some of the most amazing images
ever seen, accompanied by music, HD video and supported with various
props
MARS: FACT & FICTION
Mars has enthralled mankind for centuries. Scientists and the
person in the street have imagined Mars as a world populated by
strange beings. Since the so-called ‘canals’ were observed in 1877
Mars has been the number one planet on the minds of the public.
Since that time numerous myths have developed which have fogged the
true image of the planet. Andy tries to separate the fact from
fiction in this dramatic lecture illustrated by stunning images,
supplemented by music and several props.
INTO THE COSMIC OCEAN
It has been a long dream for many people to reach the stars. In a
Dramatic and philosophical lecture Andrew will look at this apparent
need to travel away from the earth and to explore the cosmos. What
is it that drives us upward? A brief resume of spaceflight to date
is followed by what the future may hold and Andrew speculates on why
humans may fly into space in the near future and why humans may fly
into space in the distant future. Stunningly illustrated and
accompanied by beautiful music, this is a thought provoking and
stimulating lecture presented in a unique way.
PALE BLUE DOT
Of all the planets that make the news one is often forgotten –
the Earth. In this beautiful presentation the Earth is visited as if
for the first time by some explorer from a distant world. The images
are to be seen to be believed as we glide over mountains, deserts,
oceans, forests, cities and ice fields. Accompanied by music Andrew
takes us on a voyage of discovery – of the third planet from the
Sun, a pale blue dot known as Earth.
HERSCHEL’S LUNATICK FRIENDS
William Herschel became the most famous astronomer of the 18th
century with his discovery of the planet we now call Uranus.
Herschel communicated with many scientists and engineers and was on
the fringe of one of the most influential groups of the 18th
century—The Lunar Society. This group comprised of the likes of
Matthew Boulton, James Watt, James Keir, Joseph Priestley, William
Withering to name but a few. This group networked across Britain
linking scientists and engineers together. Based on his own research
Andrew takes us through Herschel’s links with group which are more
profound that at first imagined. Illustrated with images and
accompanied by period music, take an hour to eavesdrop on the 18th
century.
A JUPITER ODYSSEY
The largest planet in the solar system has for millennia shone
brightly in the heavens. Even before the age of the telescope
humankind has revered this wanderer among the stars. With the
exploration of Jupiter by spacecraft the reverence has turned to awe
and wonder as Jupiter’s system of rings and moons delights our
curiosity. In this dramatic presentation illustrated by amazing
images and dramatic music Andy charts the history of the exploration
of the king of the planets and his consorts. Prepare for a voyage
that will open your mind to worlds of immense beauty. You will never
look into the night sky in quite the same way again.
UNDER MARMALADE SKIES – THE EXPLORATION OF TITAN
A companion presentation to Saturn Lord of the Rings. In January
2005 the Huygens space probe landed on the surface of Saturn’s moon
Titan to reveal for the first time the surface conditions. This
presentation reveals the history of the exploration of Saturn’s
largest moon and takes us on a remarkable voyage using images and
sounds especially prepared by The Planetary Society. Accompanied by
music all the excitement and wonder of discovering a New World is
here.
NEPTUNE – A CALCULATED GUESS
A chance find by a young mathematician led him to try and solve
the problem of the planet Uranus’ orbit – which did not appear to
follow true to Newton’s Laws. In France Urbain le Verrier also
wanted to solve the mystery and thus began one of science’s greatest
stories full of great excitement, discovery, rivalry, jealousy,
betrayal and cooperation. Andy entertains you with the story of the
discovery of Neptune a planet predicted on paper. Illustrated by
beautiful images, accompanied by delightful music Andy will take you
from the discovery to the very latest images of that distant planet.
COMETS SIGNPOSTS IN HISTORY
The appearance of a comet in the sky was seen by our ancestors as
a forewarning of disaster. Today in these enlightened times the
appearance of a comet fills us full of wonder not dread; however
perhaps the reality should be somewhere in between. In a
presentation filled with excitement, tragedy and humour the story of
humankind’s relationship with comets is explored, illustrated by
images of comets, with some haunting music, you will never look at
ice in the same way again. Special ‘How To Make A Comet’ finale (20
minutes) is an optional extra – a very humorous and entertaining
experiment.
CALLING THE COSMOS
Probably the most searching question in astronomy is Are we alone
in the universe? Andrew takes us on a voyage to discover if out
there in the depths of space there are other intelligences, tracing
the history of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and
posing several questions to the audience in an interactive finale. A
thought provoking presentation beautifully illustrated and
accompanied by music.
GUARDIANS OF THE RINGS – SATURN’S MOONS
A companion presentation to Saturn Lord of the Rings. The moons
of Saturn have provided scientists with a wealth of data that may
help explain how planetary systems form and how the structures in
Saturn’s rings are formed. In this amazing presentation stunning
images show icy worlds that are active from Enceladus’ plumes to the
two-tone world of Iapetus – a world whose likeness was predicted by
Cassini in the 17th century. Take a voyage through a system of
worlds that will inspire and entertain. The images are accompanied
by wonderful music and the now famous dramatic delivery of Andrew
Lound.
BEYOND THE BLUE HORIZON–IMAGING THE PLANETS
Beyond the thin blue horizon that is earth’s atmosphere lies the
cosmos in all its glory. One star in that cosmos is called the Sun
and orbiting it are nine planets, millions of asteroids and comets.
Since the invention of the camera people have photographed the Moon
and planets hoping to capture their brilliant images for posterity.
In this highly visual presentation Andrew takes us through the
history of planetary photography ending with a spectacular musical
tour of the planets. Sit back, hold tight and journey to new worlds.
A LIBYAN SPACE ODYSSEY
In 2006 a team of space science educators & scientists visited
Libya to work with the British Council and Libyan authorities to
participate in a Solar Eclipse Public Awareness Campaign and to work
with Libyan scientists to study the total solar eclipse from the
Libyan Desert. Andrew Lound led the UK side of the project and
presents a fascinating, funny and dramatic story of an adventure of
a lifetime. Beautifully illustrated with images, accompanied by
music this is an Odyssey lecture to savour.
CARL SAGAN MAN OF THE COSMOS
The middle to late 18th century saw a rise in scientific enquiry
that fueled and was in turn aided by the industrial revolution.
Freethinking stimulated human imagination that questions everything
and wondered at the mysteries of the universe. Men of the calibre of
those 18th century thinkers were rare in the 20th century as a more
cynical and structured approach to science and thinking was
promoted. There were however exceptions and one Carl Sagan was to
become one the century’s greatest science popularists and thinkers.
Sagan became one of the most influential astronomers of the 20th
century bringing a fresh approach to planetary science and in the
face of much criticism questioned established theories about Venus,
Mars, the formation of life and the manner in which to popularize
space science. Andy who was inspired by Carl to support space
science gives a very personal view of the man and his work. The
presentation is illustrated with images, audio, HD video and several
surprising props!
MURMURS OF EARTH
Pioneers 10 and 11 were the first spacecraft to be set on a
course to leave our Solar System. In 1977 two spacecraft left the
earth on a mission to the outer planets of the solar system and then
beyond. All four spacecraft carried plaques to indicate to any
extraterrestrials that might find the spacecraft where the
spacecraft came from and who sent them. The two Voyager spacecraft
also carried a disc of encoded information to try and explain who we
are – or more likely who we were. Andy Lound looks at the first
attempt to explain ourselves to an alien race and poses the thought
– will the Voyager discs be the only surviving record of humanity? A
thought provoking presentation illustrated with images, HD video and
accompanied by music.
SETTING SAIL FOR THE STARS
In May 2005 a new kind of spaceship was launched, powered not by
rockets or ion drives but by a Solar Sail. Harnessing the pressure
of light for propulsion has been the dream of many a science fiction
writer but now it has become a reality thanks to The Planetary
Society an organization that has worked tirelessly to advance this
new technology; and to Cosmos Studios for sponsoring the project. In
a presentation that will open up new possibilities in space travel
Andrew Lound will look at the history of Solar Sailing, the dreams
and finally the reality, with a look of what may possibly be a time
when humankind will literally set sail for the stars. Illustrated by
images and accompanied by music and video.
TITANIC THE MIDLANDS’ CONNECTIONS
Although the towns of Belfast and Southampton claim the Titanic
as their own, over 70% of the ship’s interior was manufactured in
the Midlands. Based on his own research Andy tells the story of the
Midlands’ industrial work on the ship and the fate of the local
passengers. A dramatic presentation delivered in full White Star
Line Uniform, using images, audio and numerous props. Climb aboard
and experience the voyage of your life.
CARPATHIA THE MIDNIGHT DASH
Of the many stories about the Titanic one remains rarely told in
detail that is the story of Captain Rostron and the Cunard ship
Carpathia that raced to the Titanic’s rescue. In a very dramatic
performance Carpathia’s role in the Titanic story is relived
demonstrating the incredible actions of Captain Rostron, his crew
and of course Harold Cottam the radio operator who acted on the call
from the Titanic. Be prepared for a presentation that will enthral.
The Titanic story told from a different perspective as only an
Odyssey Lecture can tell complete with images, music, sound effects
and all.
CHILDREN OF THE TITANIC
A thought provoking presentation into the youngest members of
Titanic’s passengers and crew. Boys worked in all parts of the ship
from the very bowels in the boiler room to the very top in first
class. Many children were on board as passengers and Andrew tells
their story as along with the adults they had to cope with the
unfolding drama. The fate of some of the children is explored in
sensitive detail. A presentation to tug at your heart illustrated
with images and accompanied by beautiful music.
LIFE IN THE BALANCE
The life of William E. Hipkins Managing Director of W & T Avery
Limited and the last MD of the James Watt Company based at the Soho
Foundry in Smethwick near Birmingham. William was from Birmingham
and a 1st class passenger on the Titanic. Based on his own research
Andy dramatically tells the rise of one of Birmingham’s great
Captain’s of Industry and how he came to be a player in one of the
world’s greatest disasters. A dramatic presentation tracing the ups
and downs of an interesting life. Illustrated by images, complete
with props and music.
BRUNEL’S LEVIATHAN - THE GREAT EASTERN
For nearly 50 years the SS Great Eastern was the world’s largest
steamship only being surpassed by the great Cunarders of 1907.
Conceived by the legendary Isembard Kingdom Brunel this leviathan
was the first of the great ocean liners that set the standard in
luxury and engineering design that would lead to the Mauretania,
Lusitania, Olympic and Titanic. This presentation tells the whole
story of a ship half a century ahead of its time that brought
nothing but heartache and stress to her builders, amazement to the
public and triumph to the Atlantic Cable layers.
VULCAN’S TEMPLE –THE STORY OF SOHO FOUNDRY
The names of Matthew Boulton and James Watt are synonymous with
the development of the Steam Engine. In 1795 they commissioned the
construction of Soho Foundry in order to build all the components of
steam engines. The Soho Foundry became one of the great
establishments of the industrial age building pumping engines, power
engines and marine engines including the screw engine for Brunel’s
‘Great Eastern’. Over the decades the Foundry has evolved with the
James Watt & Company maintaining a presence into the 20th century.
In 1895 W & T Avery the great weighing machine company bought the
site and transformed it. Since then the foundry has grown coping
with two wars, shipping disasters and changing technology. This
presentation traces a remarkable and unique history of a legendary
establishment. With stunning period images and evocative music
Andrew resplendent in 18th century costume relives the history of
Vulcan’s Temple.
TO THE END OF THE EARTH – SCOTT & THE ANTARCTIC
It was seen as the last great adventure, one in which it was
assumed that Britain would be first. Captain Scott had set out to
lead the first team to reach the South Pole. A whole nation watched
and waited. It would take months for any information to reach
Britain from those frozen wastes of Antarctica. The drama, the
excitement and the sheer courage of those who could meet a challenge
against all the odds as the whole story of the expedition is told in
a very dramatic lecture. With remarkable images, awesome sound
effects and a soundtrack to stir the emotion of the audience, you
will feel the chill of the icy wind, feel the excitement and reel at
Scott’s disappointment. Story telling at its finest.
WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT-BIRMINGHAM GOES TO WAR
1938-39 was a remarkable period in the life of Britain,
Birmingham born Neville Chamberlain was Prime Minister and his
attempts to prevent a European war seemed at first to have been
successful, but as we know war came and Birmingham like the rest of
the country turned out its lights and went to war. This newly
researched presentation looks at Birmingham people during the war
focusing attention on Soho Foundry as well as the darkened streets
of the City. New information gleamed from German and British
archives presents an interesting picture of wartime Birmingham.
Stunningly illustrated with many unpublished images, sound effects,
music and animation this is a presentation that will bring back
memories or introduce the subject to a new generation.
PAST CLIENT COMMENTS
“A stunning performance, Andrew should be on television
presenting science. A very memorable experience.”
Jim Collins, Swansea Astronomical Society
“That is exactly how a lecture should be presented.
Andrew should be paid to go into universities and teach people how
to present”
Dr. Allan Chapman of Wadham College Oxford
“Incredible presentation, beautiful, awe inspiring and given
with authority and enthusiasm.”
Friends of Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
“Outstanding presentation, highly professional and made one
feel inspired and find work in space science! Andrew evokes almost
evangelical atmosphere into his science lectures.”
Professor Stuart Mallin High Wycombe Astronomical
Society
“I was moved to tears with the beauty and splendour of the
presentation. Highly Professional, incredibly beautiful.”
Diane Atkins, Aston & Erdington Photographic Society
“Thank you so much for the superb presentation last night.
The applause made it so clear how the members had enjoyed every
moment. It was so full of information and detail. As one member said
at the end ‘I saw the film but I feel and understand so much more
after this presentation.’"
Keith Jeavons, The Black Country Society
“A fantastic performance! At times we were rolling in the
aisles laughing at some of the quips, at others we were deeply
moved. An enthralling presentation that is by far the most
professional we have seen.”
M.J. Gainsford Hinckley & District Astronomical
Society