Suspension of Disbelief (& Other Great Lost Inventions)

Join artist, author, and founder of the Institute of Backyard Studies, Mark Thomson, and Professor Chris Morash (School of English, TCD) for an exploration of invention, imagination and the things we might almost believe to be true.

Please register here.

This event is part of the Trinity Arts and Humanities Research Festival 2026.
What if some of the greatest inventions in history were the ones we never got to use?
Join artist, author, and founder of the Institute of Backyard Studies, Mark Thomson, and Professor Chris Morash (School of English, TCD) for an exploration of invention, imagination and the things we might almost believe to be true.
At the heart of the conversation is Henry Hoke, the astonishingly prolific inventor whose creations include Willing’s Suspension of Disbelief, the Random Excuse Generator and the Universal Befuddling Tool. Through Hoke’s inventions, Thomson invites us to consider the boundaries between ingenuity and absurdity, credulity and certainty, and what it means to believe.
Come along for an evening of curious inventions, improbable ideas and, naturally, a little Suspension of Disbelief.


This event is run in accordance with Trinity’s Dignity and Respect policy, and its commitment to nurturing a respectful and inclusive research culture.

Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: tlrh@tcd.ie