Literary passion and talent which made the Lake District a magnet for some of the greatest writers and artists of their time are about to be showcased in rousing rhetoric.
Looking at the inspiration behind a cultural landscape of international fame, a series of talks at University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus is set to share the genius of past masters and present purveyors of literature and art.
Renowned poet, academic, and biographer, Dr Grevel Lindop, gets the ball rolling on Monday 7 October with a talk about writing his ever-popular Literary Guide to the Lake District.
Other big names to be featured in what promises to be a fascinating exploration of artistic genius include Arthur Ransome, Harriet Martineau, Ann Radcliffe and Norman Nicholson.
University of Cumbria’s senior lecturer in English literature and research lead for the Cultural Landscapes Research Group, Dr Penny Bradshaw, explained the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription had brought unique opportunities.
She said: “The landscape continues to ignite passion and inspire a compelling variety of writing. University of Cumbria offers a range of programmes to study the region’s internationally famed landscapes, including a new MA in Literature, Romanticism and the English Lake District.
“Also, from September 2020, students will be able to study for a BA in English literature here in Ambleside.
“We are in the heart of the Lakes and proud to be at the forefront of moves to continue celebrating our spectacular cultural landscape as a beacon for inspiration, talent and learning.
“By the end of the 18th century, the area was already a magnet for writers and artists and became a powerhouse for the Romantic movement. We continue to see a wealth of books set, and written, in Cumbria.”
Dr Bradshaw said she hoped the series of talks running through to July would help local communities and students understand just what the region had given to literature and the arts, as well as encouraging people to find out more.
Talks information is on:
https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/about/events/?campuses%5B%5D=Ambleside#listing
You can book online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/university-of-cumbria-ambleside-campus-17097576075
