Collections Discovery Day: Caribbean Poetry
British Library, London.
Collections Discovery Day: Caribbean Poetry
A day of talks and workshops for anyone inspired by the poetry of the Caribbean and the diaspora.
More information about Collections Discovery Day: Caribbean Poetry tickets
This day of talks and workshops offers introductions to the British Library's collections for anyone inspired by the poetry of the Caribbean and the diaspora. From rare poetry pamphlets by the likes of Miss Lou to the archives of writers like James Berry and Andrew Salkey, the British Library can offer an extraordinary opportunity for anyone who loves reading and learning about the poetry of the Caribbean and its diaspora. It also offers exceptional research resources and jumping-off points for any poets - published professionals and budding writers alike – who are seeking inspiration and ideas for their work. This Collections Discovery Day reveals the creative ways three practicing Caribbean diaspora poets have used the British Library - and invites anyone who loves reading or writing poetry to do the same. 11.00-11.45 An Introduction to Reading (and Writing) Caribbean Poetry at the British Library Curators from the British Library introduce some highlights from the collections, including books and magazines, and archives and manuscripts of major writers. 11.45-12.15 Break 12.15-13.30 Lawrence Scott: Crossing Over The London-based Trinidadian writer considers the role of research in his writing, and the experience of publishing his first volume of poetry after more than forty years’ success as a writer of short fiction and novels. 13.30-14.30 Break (including an optional tour of the British Library) 14.30-15.45 Roy McFarlane: Erasure Poetry and Other Practices Birmingham Laureate and 2021 Eccles Fellow McFarlane discusses his use of the Library’s newspaper collections, and how they provided the platform for his explorations of slavery and freedom in the nineteenth-century Atlantic world. 15.45-16.15 Break 16.15-17.30 Hannah Lowe: On James Berry’s Windrush Songs The Costa Prize and Hay-Eccles Writer’s Award winner illustrates how she used the archive of Jamaican-born poet James Berry (1924 – 2017) as inspiration for her own poetic investigations into post-war migration, centered around the life of her father. 17.30-17.45 Final Q&A 17.45 Day Ends