New Lunar Societies Needed
We’ve recently been commissioned to create a new solar panel artwork for the launch of The West Midlands Combined Authority’s new Smart Energy Systems Strategy. As with any project, we started with research—exploring the energy heritage of the area, the people driving change, and the unique qualities that make this region a hub of innovation for a better world.
In our digging, I was thrilled to discover the fascinating history of The Lunar Society in the West Midlands. A bit more about it here…
The Lunar Society was not unique, but this particular group became renowned for the significant impact it had. Before the industrial revolution lit up streets and cities, evening gatherings were often scheduled to coincide with the full moon, ensuring a safe journey home in the moonlight. These gatherings became known as Lunar Societies—small groups of thinkers, artists, inventors, and dreamers who used the brilliance of the moon as a backdrop to discuss bold ideas.
The Birmingham Lunar Society
The most famous Lunar Society, based in Birmingham, brought together extraordinary minds like Joseph Priestley, Erasmus Darwin, Matthew Boulton, and James Watt, to name a few. They met regularly between 1765 and 1813, discussing everything from scientific advancements and technological innovation to philosophical ideas and the future of society. What makes this group stand out is its spirit of experimentation—its members were driven by the question, "Why not try?" They were not boxed into rigid identities but instead embraced their full potential as polymaths, combining art, science, engineering, and imagination in pursuit of progress.
During that time, society was facing rapid change and complex challenges—not unlike today. The discussions and innovations that emerged from Lunar Society gatherings shaped the industrial revolution and continue to influence how we live today. It was a creative and collaborative dialogue that spanned over 35 years, all with the goal of improving people’s lives. Their fearless spirit of curiosity resonates strongly with what we, in the cultural and creative sectors, are trying to do now in response to the climate emergency.
Gathering in a Time of Change
The history of the Lunar Society got me thinking about where we are today. Just as they faced enormous transitions during the dawn of the industrial era, we too are in a period of profound change. The climate crisis, digital transformation, and shifting energy landscapes are forcing us to rethink the way we live and work.
That’s why I’m so excited that, over the next six months, The Art and Energy Collective, with support from Plymouth Culture, will be gathering the culture sector at the Sustainable Earth Institute to learn, share, and explore how creativity can help us navigate the climate challenge. Like the Lunar Society, we’ll be fostering a collective dialogue, bringing together artists, makers, thinkers, and tinkerers to brainstorm solutions for a better future.
But one thing keeps striking me—the role of the moon in the original Lunar Society. Today, thanks to electric light, we’ve largely lost touch with the moon’s rhythms. We no longer need it to guide our gatherings or illuminate our path at night. We’ve become disconnected from the natural cycles that once structured our lives.
Reconnecting with Nature in Creative Conversations
Now that we can meet at any time, in any place, under electric light, I wonder if we’ve lost something essential. The constant glow of artificial light is disastrous for many species, including moths, which have seen a 40% decline in population over my lifetime. This affects everything from pollination to entire ecosystems.
Perhaps, as we gather to discuss the future, we should allow the natural world to have a more prominent place in our conversations. What if we tuned back into the rhythms of nature—considering not just human innovation but also how we can support the rest of the living world?
Just as the moon illuminated the way for the Lunar Society centuries ago, maybe it can guide us in a different way today. Could we bring the presence of the natural world into our creative discussions? Could we reframe our approach to innovation so that it’s not just about human progress but about regenerating and restoring the ecosystems that sustain us?
New Lunar Societies for a New Age
It feels like this is the time to gather, to eat, to share, to enjoy each other’s lively and creative minds—just as the original Lunar Society did. But now, we have an even greater challenge: ensuring that our progress is sustainable, just, and in harmony with the natural world.
The spirit of the Lunar Society lives on in today’s creative collectives, and there’s no reason we can’t reimagine it for our era. Let’s rekindle that spirit of experimentation and collective inquiry. Let’s make space for the moon, the earth, and the natural world in our conversations. We’re in a time of great transition, and it’s time to ask ourselves, "Why not try?"