This week, on My Poetic Side, we take a look at the Welsh poet’s home opening for the public, the acquisition of Byrd’s papers, and Zephaniah’s medal.
Welsh Poet’s Former Mansion Home Opens Doors to the Public
Ty Penbryn, a Grade II listed Georgian Mansion, located in mid-Wales near Carmarthen will be opening its doors on 21st March to the public.
The property is the former home of Sir Lewis Morris, the Welsh academic and poet who was knighted in 1895 by Queen Victoria, and who narrowly missed being appointed to the position of poet laureate.. It is widely believed that this could have been as a result of his association with Oscar Wilde. Morris’ most famous work is “Love’s Suicide”.
The property which has 1.8 acres of gardens has been restored by the current owners using only local suppliers and trades. The opening this spring will be the first chance the local community will have been able to see inside the house since it was built early in the 19th century.
As well as guided tours of the property, visitors will be regaled with stories and anecdotes about its history. They will also be able to use the leisure facilities and the indoor pool. There will be a number of local suppliers at the event showcasing their businesses and promoting the local community.
Bobby Byrd’s Works Acquired by NMSU Archives
The New Mexico State University has confirmed that it now hold poet and publisher Bobby Byrd’s literary archives. Byrd was a co-founder of Cinco Puntos Press, the independent publishing house based in El Paso. The acquisition brings together the press archives that the university already hold and personal papers belonging to Byrd.
Byrd passed away at the age of 80 in 2022. He was widely recognised as a poet, advocate and mentor for multicultural literature. Cinco Puntos Press was home to Latino and borderlands writers. In its 35-year history it earned nation recognition. It was sold in 2021.
NMSU has been collecting archives relating to the company since the mid 1990s, with a significant number of records being transferred to their possession in 2021 following the sale.
Byrd wrote nine books of poetry and was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the D.H. Lawrence Fellowship for his work.
Benjamin Zephaniah’s Widow Accepts Poets City Medal
Earlier this week the widow of Benjamin Zephaniah attended a ceremony that took place at Birmingham City University to receive a posthumous medal in her late husband’s name.
Zephaniah is the first ever recipient of the City of Birmingham Medal which was created specially to honour residents of Birmingham.
Speaking at the ceremony, Qian Zephaniah said that the moment made her miss Benjamin but that the poet would have said that the award was something for every person from Birmingham who had ever dared to dream. Zephaniah who left school unable to read or write at the age of 13 was also dyslexic. He is remembered as one of the titans of British literature.
The ceremony was held in the Benjamin Zephaniah Buildingat the university, the building was renamed after the poet following his death.
You must register to comment. Log in or Register.