Hot off the press at Gladstone’s Library is the brand new 2017 programme of events and it’s looking like the busiest and most eclectic year to date. With residential courses on Remembering Slavery, Building a Sustainably Creative Life, considering The Great War in Symbol, Memory and God, and Putting the End of the World in Perspective; author talks from some of contemporary literature’s most exciting talents; and a range of literary and political festivals, there really is something for everyone.
The Gladstone’s Library programme of events holds at its core Theology, History and Current Affairs, and Nineteenth-Century literature – the areas that founder William Gladstone himself was most interested in. All events and courses relate to these three subject areas, or the progression of these into the present day.
At the beginning of the year, we host events exploring the essence of Sufism, examining cultural representations of Sin, Sex and Salvation from the middle ages to the present day, and an evening understanding the Rare Books and Treasures of the unique Gladstone’s Library collection.
Theological events in spring include considering a God that no longer makes sense in the age of science in Above Us Only Sky, and a look at three truly disturbing stories from the Book of Genesis in Divergent Readings. There is also the popular free-entry Easter Craft Fair (15th April) which sees local designers and craft-makers take over the Library building to showcase handmade gifts and wares, and fun activities for children.
In summer we host a residential Writing Masterclass with Katherine Angel (Unmastered: A Book on Desire, Most Difficult to Tell) as well as our popular language courses during which guests can sign up to learn Greek, Hebrew, Latin or Welsh in a week…or at least make the best attempt possible!
In October we examine the literary reception and reworkings of the Bible and biblical texts, and in November, take the opportunity to focus on the art of short story writing with Vanessa Gebbie (The Coward’s Tale) and Kit De Waal (My Name is Leon). We also welcome back friend and Trustee of the Library, Zia Chaudhry, to answer difficult questions about Islam today and offer a liberal view of the religion. These sessions are an important way to dispel disinformation and misinformation about Islam.
Rounding off the year is our popular Film and Theology course which offers the opportunity to consider and discuss a selection of classic and contemporary films from a theological perspective. 2017 films include I, Daniel Blake, Notes on Blindness and The Witch plus more to be announced. Plus, there’s Christmas fun with our annual free-entry Christmas Craft Fair and Christmas Lunches and Christmas Afternoon Tea served from 1st December until the Library closes on Sunday, 17th December 2017.
2017 festivals include Hearth (4th – 5th February and 4th – 5th November), the bi-yearly micro-festival for writers and those interested in the publishing process; Demfest (2nd – 3rd June), the UK’s only festival of democracy, and Gladfest (1st – 3rd September), the biggest event in the Gladstone’s Library calendar which welcomes the best authors from across the globe to talk, workshop and discuss in the beautiful library surrounds.
Writer in Residence events this year include evening talks and day masterclasses with William Atkins (The Moor), Rowan Hisayo Buchanan (Harmless Like You), Ruth Scurr (John Aubrey: My Own Life) and Penny Boxall (Ship of the Line). Plus, there are events with Political Writers in Residence Caroline Shenton (The Day Parliament Burned Down) and James Kirchick (The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues and the Coming Dark Age).
Booking for next year’s events is now open. To book, please call 01244 532350 or email [email protected].
For more information, head to our Events Calendar or download a PDF to your device.