Hotel Ghosts: Chris Womersley at the Espy

Immerse yourself in the bohemian underworld of Melbourne’s artistic and cultural past, and share a drink with some colourful ghosts with impeccable taste.

As part of Open House Melbourne Weekend, spend Sunday afternoon in the Ghost of Alfred Felton Bar at the Hotel Esplanade as author Chris Womersley discusses his latest novel, The Diplomat (the sequel to his beloved Cairo) with host Brian Nankervis. The Diplomat follows Edward Degraves – fresh from detox and five years after his involvement with the theft of Picasso’s The Weeping Woman from the NGV – returning to Melbourne where he is forced to confront his ghosts at a seedy St Kilda hotel. It’s a powerful story of grief, art and recovery.

Following this discussion, owner of The Espy Matt Mullins will lead an interactive tour of the bar’s three rooms – the Library, the Pharmacy and the Gallery – and its namesake Alfred Felton’s life. Felton was the game-changing benefactor of the NGV whose bequest transformed the gallery’s collection, and a long-time inhabitant of The Espy in its former incarnation as a residential hotel.

Throughout the event the bar will serve Felton-inspired cocktails.

Join us for this interactive celebration of literature, art and Melbourne’s rich and eclectic cultural history.

Presented in partnership with Open House Melbourne.

Supported by the Hotel Esplanade

Tickets: $15 or $30 with cocktail on arrival, plus a one-off $4.40 booking fee

The bookseller for this event is Readings.