The National Library of Wales
The First Minister Opens Small World Exhibition
Mon, 25 Oct 10 14:36:00
Wales’s First Minister, Carwyn Jones, will officially open the Small World: Travel in Wales and Beyond Exhibition on Wednesday 27 October 2010.
The exhibition has already generated a lot of interest in Wales and world-wide as people responded to the National Library’s request for more information about Islwyn Roberts, the man who hitch-hiked around the world. An original photo of Islwyn taken in 1958 for the Welsh-language weekly, Y Cymro, has been used on the exhibitions promotional literature. Following the request the Library has heard from many people who remember him fondly in the Ardudwy area around Llanbedr and Harlech where Islwyn lived. The exhibition’s curator, Carys Mai Lloyd, has also spoken about Islwyn on Canada’s public broadcasting service, CBC, and people as far away as Patagonia have contacted with their memories of him visiting them.
The National Library of Wales is very proud that the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, has agreed to officially open this important exhibition. The Librarian, Andrew Green said;
‘As part of our strategy the Library has decided to hold one large annual exhibition which will appeal to the public in the Aberystwyth area and beyond. This exhibition also coincides with the course work undertaken in primary school and shows the extent of our collections. As well as the exhibition a series of speakers have also been organised to coincide with the theme of travel. The exhibition therefore has been a big investment on behalf of the Library and we believe it is fitting that the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has agreed to open it – we appreciate his interest.’
The First Minister, Carwyn Jones, added;
‘It’s a pleasure to open this interesting exhibition. This is an excellent exhibition which not only gives us a glimpse on the history of travel through the centuries but also on the people and their culture. It is also a golden opportunity for us view the rich and varied collection which is in our National Library.’
Small World will be held at the National Library of Wales between 16 October 2010 and 2 April 2011. It includes ancient maps by Humphrey Lhuyd and John Speed, diaries of the sea voyage to Patagonia, railway posters, letters by Edwards Peet who emigrated to Ohio in 1868, as well as photographs by Geoff Charles and John Thomas. Visitors are also able to take a seat in an old car, watch a film in the fuselage of an aeroplane or inside an old bus!
Travel-themed Events at NLW
To coincide with the exhibition’s theme, many of Wales’s foremost travel writers also appear at the National Library including; Jan Morris, Owen Sheers, Bethan Gwanas and Mike Parker. Michael Freeman will give a talk on ‘Comments on Peasant Life in Ceredigion' and Huw Thomas will talk about the Library’s map collection. A full list of related events can be seen on the Small World Exhibition page.
Wales and the World will also be the theme of this year’s Lens photographic festival held at the Library, which takes place on 19 and 20 November 2010.
Further information
Siôn Jobbins, NLW Press Office: 01970 632 902 post@llgc.org.uk
