This week in our poetry news round up we look at how science is finding hidden poetry and we consider if William Wordsworth was indeed the first “influencer”.
Famous Poet’s Hidden Work Revealed
A team of researchers at the University of Oxford have revealed the hidden words of the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.
The project, which was led by the English department used a combination of imaging techniques in order to uncover words in the poets handwritten work that had either been covered by ink blots, marks or had been crossed out. The techniques used included multispectral imaging, fibre-optic reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence to examine those parts of the manuscripts that had previously been hidden.
They imaged the manuscripts using over 40 different illuminations and were able to see details that are not possible with the naked eye. They then used advanced digital processing to analyse changes in the ink used by Tennyson and to enhance that writing which had been lost.
This allowed them a unique look at the text that the poet himself had edited, giving them new insight into the creative decisions that he made whilst writing his poetry. The project which was called Recovery of Literary Manuscripts was founded as a collaboration between University of Oxford and Durham University.
The text, which has been discovered as a result of the project, will now be included in The Complete Works of Alfred Tennyson for Oxford University Press. Using the techniques that they have perfected, the research team have now begun to look at the works of other writers in an effort to improve understandings of their artistry.
Some types of multispectral imaging have already been used in the art world to look at what lies underneath masterpieces. However, this project is the first to look at works of English literature.
The Lake District’s First “Influencer”
A new exhibition at Allan Bank, the former home of the Romantic poet William Wordsworth claims that he was the first “influencer” to champion the Lake District. He is also credited with calling for its conservation.
More than 200 years ago, Wordsworth penned his Guide to the Lakes a book which combined his poetic reflections on the beauty of the areas and also offered practical advice for visitors. This new permanent exhibition will feature 19th century photographs of many of the landscapes that the poet helped protect including Grasmere and Ullswater. Called “Wordsworth the Influencer,” the title is a play on words and will draw upon the fact that content on social media platforms about the Lake District is currently incredibly popular.
A close relationship between Wordsworth and the wealthy Marshall family from Leeds resulted in the purchase of a portfolio of property purchases across the Lakes. The National Trust says that many famous landscapes including Tarn Hows were preserved because of this ownership.
The exhibition will open to the public on 1st April and visitors will be able to see just what it is that Wordsworth was so passionate about and how much the conservation of the Lake District mattered to the poet.
You must register to comment. Log in or Register.