The National Library of Wales
Aberystwyth Pupils to Launch Spanish Civil War Exhibiton at The National Library of Wales
Mon, 04 Feb 08 10:37:00
Pupils from Penglais comprehensive school in Aberystwyth who helped to design and produce an exhibition workbook about Wales and the Spanish Civil War, will have the opportunity to see their work being used at The National Library of Wales on February 20.
The Wise and Foolish Dreamers exhibition that has toured Wales is organised by the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and is accompanied by workshops led by its coordinator, the historian Phil Cope.
The exhibition and workshops will focus on the contribution made by Welshmen who went to fight in Spain and some of their stories, the fundraising activities in Wales, and the refuge offered to orphaned children from the Basque Country. They will also try to explain why the conflict and Welsh people’s responses to it are such an important part of our history.
The 25 Penglais pupils who will attend the launch were part of the team who helped design a workbook that accompanies the workshop and is being used in schools thoughout Wales to teach young people about the Spanish Civil War. They will be the first in a series of schools that will receive interactive and challenging workshops in The National Library of Wales.
The whole project has been created with input from young people in various parts of Wales. The exhibition itself was designed by young people from St Thomas’ Community Primary School, Swansea, while an accompanying DVD was created by Ysgol Cynlais in Ystradgynlais.
Phil Cope said: ‘I am thrilled to be coming to Aberystwyth to work with the young people who helped create these resources in the first place. I am also very grateful for the response from schools, and am glad that people are still interested in exploring the very important issues of war, governance and fighting fascism.’
Owen Llywelyn of the Library’s Education unit added: ‘The contribution of the Welsh people to the Spanish Civil War is a heroic chapter in our history as a nation. From the sea captain Potato Jones who broke the blockades to deliver food to the Spanish people, to the soldiers who fought in Spain, and the people who collected money and provided homes for Spanish children orphaned by the war.’
Launch event and pupils workshop:
Hafan, The National Library of Wales, 9:45am, Wednesday February 20
The Wise and Foolish Dreamers Exhibition
The National Library of Wales
February 13 – March 28, 2008.
Links:
For Further Information:
Siôn Jobbins, NLW Press Office: 01970 632 902 sij@llgc.org.uk
Owen Llywelyn, NLW Education Office: 01970 632 528 owen.llywelyn@llgc.org.uk
