Inside The Theosophical Society Adyar

Celebrating the Ethelwynne M. Quail: The Kingdom of the Gods exhibition at The College of Psychic Studies, join us for an in-person talk exploring the Adyar Art Project and the rich artistic heritage of the Theosophical Society's international headquarters in India.

The Theosophical Society and The College of Psychic Studies share a history dating to the late 19th century, when H. P. Blavatsky and William Stainton Moses were prominent figures in a growing international interest in spiritualism, psychical research and the nature of consciousness. Since becoming the Theosophical Society's international headquarters in 1882, Adyar in Chennai has developed into a unique centre of cultural and intellectual exchange, bringing together artistic traditions and forms of knowledge from across the world. Its collection includes drawings from influential Theosophical publications such as Man Visible and Invisible (1902) and Thought-Forms (1905), objects associated with H. P. Blavatsky, Nicholas Roerich's The Messenger, and early modern Indian and Buddhist art – together revealing how art became a means of studying spirituality, consciousness and forms of knowledge beyond ordinary perception.

Meet your speaker, Elif Kamisli

Elif Kamisli's connection with the Theosophical Society began during a research project in her tenure as Exhibition Manager of the Istanbul Biennial – a relationship she has continued to develop. She is currently Director of the Adyar Art Project at the Theosophical Society's international headquarters in India, making her uniquely placed to speak on the collection's history and its ongoing revival.

What to expect

Established in 2023, the Theosophical Society Adyar Art Project aims to conserve the collection, conduct research, and revitalise the artistic and cultural heritage of Adyar. The project has since expanded to include exhibitions, artistic exchange, and the 2025 revival of the Adyar Art Residency after more than a century – welcoming artists including Christine Ödlund, Fredrik Söderberg and, this year, Donna Willard-Moore. Elif will discuss this history and the project's future, followed by a Q&A facilitated by College of Psychic Studies curator and archivist, Jacqui McIntosh.

Who is this talk for:

• Anyone interested in the history of the Theosophical Society and its collections
• Those curious about the relationship between art, spirituality and consciousness
• Art historians, curators and researchers
• College members and anyone drawn to Adyar's ongoing artistic revival

Book your place and join Elif Kamisli for a rare look inside one of Theosophy's most significant living collections.

Explore the exhibition: