Bringing together extraordinary artworks by historical, mediumistic, visionary and contemporary artists from around the world, The Medium is the Message invites you to stand at the threshold between this world and the next. Through art, artefacts and expressions of wonder, you'll meet the medium as conduit and the artist as channel for voices and visions from beyond.
Here are just a few of the show's highlights:
Curated by Jacqui McIntosh, every room of The College of Psychic Studies has been transformed for this landmark year.
Paulina Peavy: A UK debut
Works by American artist Paulina Peavy (1901-1999) have rarely been glimpsed beyond US shores. This year, The College of Psychic Studies is delighted to bring an extraordinary collection of private works to the UK for the first time. In her prolific career, Peavy co-created with a spirit UFO named Lacamo; this is a unique opportunity to encounter their extraordinary artworks in person.
Anna Mary Howitt Watts, founding member of The College of Psychic Studies
Pre-Raphaelite artist, feminist, pioneering Spiritualist and Britain's first drawing medium, Anna Mary Howitt Watts (1824-1884) helped to establish the London Spiritualist Alliance (now The College of Psychic Studies). This is the most comprehensive showing to date of her extraordinary spirit-guided drawings, celestial botanicals and luminous paintings, reuniting Anna with the institution that she helped to establish.
Ithell Colquhoun's dream diaries
As the Tate Britain's major exhibition, Ithell Colquhoun: Between Worlds, draws to a close in autumn 2025, we take the baton to present the Surrealist's dream diaries. Ithell Colquhoun (1906-1988) documented her nightly adventures over some decades, and they offer extraordinary insights into her work as an occultist. The journals speak to some of Ithell's mediumistic drawings and surrealist works, also on show.
Sidney Manley: A multi-generational legacy
The show includes a body of paintings and drawings by mediumistic artist Sidney Manley, generously donated by Sidney's son, Chris Manley, shortly before his passing. We were delighted to welcome Sidney's granddaughter and great-grandson to see the collection come to life. We know that both Sidney and Chris are with us in spirit as these works take their place in our galleries.
Ethel Le Rossignol: Lost works returned
Long thought lost, an exquisite pair of pencil drawings by Ethel Le Rossignol (1873-1970) has resurfaced after many years. They now return 'home' to The College of Psychic Studies. Ethel's gilded otherworldly paintings are beloved by all who have visited the College, including visionary artists Alex Grey and Allyson Grey who came to see them in 2024. These rediscovered works offer a new chapter in Ethel's evolving story.
Aleksandra Ionowa: Rarely-seen drawings
Included in the show are rarely-seen works from the celebrated Finnish mediumistic artist, Aleksandra Ionowa (1889-1980). Gifted to the College by the Ionowa Society, many of these works are on show for the first time in the UK, adding new depth and insight into this extraordinary artist's visual channeling practice.
For this 100-year celebration, we have completely re-curated The College of Psychic Studies. Every room holds something new, not-yet-seen and extraordinary. This is a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, not to be missed.
🗓️ Private View Wednesday 8th / Open to all from Thursday 9th October 2025
📍 The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place
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