As part of the Byron200 celebrations, Bromley House is marking Lord Byron’s bicentenary with an exhibition of our special collections relating to the poet. Many of these are unique to Bromley House – most notably, several items from our James Ward collection, a former library member and notable bibliophile. His collection includes his correspondence with Lady Mary Lovelace, the wife of Byron’s grandson, as well as early letters discussing the true nature of Byron’s famously termed “club foot” and his purchase of a Byron forgery. A first edition of Byron’s first published works Hours of Idleness alongside other early editions are also displayed. Interpretation relating to the famous poet can be found throughout the library; and look out for a knitted Byron and Boatswain!
We suggest that members start their journey in the Neville Hoskins Reading Room and then discover the interpretation around the library. Curated by Heather, this exhibition has already attracted interest from national press.
As part of our commitment to supporting students, we recently welcomed Elin on placement via the Experience Culture programme from the University of Nottingham- she shares some of her thoughts below.
“I’m Elin, a second year English with Creative Writing student at the University of Nottingham, and I recently did a placement working at Bromley House! I had a wonderful time here and learned a lot of skills that I think will be really beneficial in my future career, especially when working with digitising the library’s collection to make it more accessible for people unable to visit in person. I also worked with the library’s social media and got to exercise my creative muscles when writing a poem in the style of Byron for the upcoming exhibition celebrating the bicentenary of his death. I got to do things I’ve never done before which was very exciting. Everybody at the library is lovely and great to work with, and I would definitely come back for another placement here!”
Elin spent thirty five hours with us across several weeks, culminating in a presentation to other placement hosts, peers and tutors. As a creative writing student, we thought it would be pertinent to ask Elin to contribute some writing or poetry. Largely inspired by ‘Elegy on Newstead Abbey’ and ‘Ode on Venice’ Elin let her creativity shine
An Ode to Bromley House
“To have joy, one must share it.” Lord Byron
Oh Bromley House! Oh Bromley House!
Refuge of Knowledge! Works new and old!
Of Nottingham’s people, the city’s spouse,
Whose Angel Row door holds hidden gold.
In its rooms, two vast centuries of books!
Collated curios, precious past’s tomes
Aside young trees’ pages, for all to look,
All ripe for the borrow, for some to roam.
Yet rooms are also home to members all,
With each one taking seats in cozied chairs;
Books borrow’d, tea brew’d in sweet enthrall
Of this place perfum’d with such a peaceful air.
Thy dark room, hiding plenty pictures past,
In attic high and lofty, out of sight;
Snapdragon blue, sun bright on subjects cast,
While Barber’s portraits captur’d its fair light.
And outside all is the city’s tranquil haven!
Sanctuary shade, beneath trees of London Plane;
Many who seek beauty find it saved,
‘Midst the em’rald grass and blossoms same.
And thy resplendent beauty will persist,
Continue, sagely, as the years do come;
Shap’d as though inspir’d by God’s great fist,
The loaded shelves of transcendental sum.