What makes an icon? It is time for you to decide.
Open University experts had to consider this question when working as part of the academic team on the recent BBC Two series: Icons. This interactive series presented four extraordinary icons in seven categories of human excellence: Leaders, Explorers, Scientists, Entertainers, Activists, Sports Stars, Artists & Writers. The public voted throughout the series for their favourite in each category and, in a live final, their ultimate icon which saw Alan Turing chosen as the overall winner.
Whether you watched the series, want to learn about some of the greatest figures of the 20th century or have your own icon to suggest, our OpenTalks event will give you a chance to have your say.
We'll be joined at Aberdare Community School by a range of OU subject experts, some of whom were involved in the academic research behind the BBC series. This event gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into achievements of each icon featured in the series, from Nelson Mandela to Marilyn Monroe.
The event will include a self-guided exhibition showcasing all of the icons. OU academics will be on hand to help you explore what makes each of them iconic and you will get a chance to vote for your favourite in each category. The exhibition will be followed by an expert panel discussion where OU academics will talk about their experience during the making of BBC series including how difficult it was to choose just four icons. We’ll then reveal the results of your vote and in the finale, we’ll find out who is our audience’s greatest overall icon.
This event is free to attend but booking is essential. Book now.
