October Events at the Linen Hall |
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In October the Linen Hall Library pays tribute to one of Ulster’s most influential 20th century literary figures, Sam Hanna Bell, in association with the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Internationally renowned writers Paul Muldoon and Michael Longley will join others to explore Bell’s work as a writer, novelist and BBC producer in a series of talks and readings. The month also features a Linen Hall Book Sale of old and new surplus books. Featured are a limited number of copies of ‘in their element’, a collection of poems by Seamus Heaney and Derek Mahon signed by the authors. The October schedule is as follows: Advanced Irish with Dr Stiofán Ó Direáin, Thursday 1 October – Thursday 17 December, 4.15pm / Class / Free This course is for those wishing to flex their Irish language skills. Linen Hall Library Book Sale, Monday 5 October – Saturday 10 October / Free Don’t miss this chance to pick through thousands of items of books, prints, pamphlets and other surplus items for sale from the Linen Hall stock. Great opportunity to get fabulous Christmas items at very attractive prices. Introductory Ulster-Scots with Gary Blair, Tuesday 6 October – Tuesday 24 November 4.15pm / Class / Free Explore the rudiments of this colourful language in an introductory series. Dr David Livingstone – The Landscapes of Darwinism, Wednesday 7 October 6.30pm / Talk / Free Celebrating the bicentenary of Darwin’s birth, Dr David Livingstone, one of the leading authorities on Darwinism, discusses the impact of the great scientist’s theories. (This talk is organised by The Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society which was founded in 1821 to promote knowledge in arts sciences, and today, amongst other activities and projects, promotes a lecture programme based at the Linen Hall Library.) Beginners’ Irish with Niall MacLochlainn, Friday 9 October – Friday 27 November 4.15pm / Class /Free If you’ve never had the chance to learn Irish, but always wanted to, this course is for you. Niall makes the language simple to grasp and the classes entertaining. Sam Hanna Bell and the Anthropology of Ulster with Prof. Norman Vance, Wednesday 14 October 7.00pm / Talk / Free Professor Norman Vance, Professor of English at the University of Sussex, will introduce us to the impressive range of Sam Hanna Bell’s investigations of Ulster, past and present. ‘Let the Hare Sit’ – a poetry reading by Paul Muldoon, Thursday 15 October 7.00pm/Reading/£10 (£8 Linen Hall members) ‘The most significant English-language poet born since the second World War’ – the Times Literary Supplement Hailing from County Armagh, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon makes a rare appearance in Belfast. He will read poems associated with the folklore collecting of Sam Hanna Bell. Sam Hanna Bell – Launch and Reception, Friday 16 October 6.00pm/£5 (£3 Linen Hall members) Tonight launches the Linen Hall Library’s Sam Hanna Bell exhibition entitled ‘A Man Flourishing’ and Colloquium taking place on Saturday 17 October. The line up of speakers features Pat Loughrey, ex-Director, National and Regions (BBC); writers Paul Muldoon, Michael Longley and Sophie Hillen; and atmospheric music provided by Kate Fletcher. This exhibition is a very personal one donated by Bell’s family and includes many intimate items never seen by the public before. It offers the viewer an opportunity to rummage inside the life of a literary trail blazer. A Man Flourishing – The Life and Work of Writer and Broadcaster Sam Hanna Bell 1909–1990, Colloquium, Saturday 17 October 10.00 am – 2.00pm/£10 (£8 Linen Hall Library members) For more information about these events or the Linen Hall Library in general, please visit Library’s website at www.linenhall.com. Notes to editors: Paul Muldoon is available for interview in relation to the Sam Hanna Bell events. |
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