Unique Exeter events will allow people to immerse themselves in the South West’s rich literary heritage

Unique free events in Exeter this autumn will allow people to immerse themselves in the South West’s literary heritage.

Tours of the University of Exeter’s special archives, a film screening and talks have been organised to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Lord of the Flies and the legacy of William Golding. 

A unique creative writing workshop will give budding authors a rare opportunity to explore unpublished pages from Golding’s handwritten draft of Lord of the Flies. These early pages, which precede the novel’s printed opening, offer fascinating insights into how and why the boys ended up on the island – but their lack of impact may also have played a role in the draft’s initial rejection by multiple publishers. The workshop will be led by Ellen Wiles, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Exeter and is designed for beginner or experienced writers. Refreshments will be provided.

Tim Kendall, Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Exeter, and Tom Cadbury, Assistant Curator of Archaeology and Antiquities at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, will take part in a thought-provoking conversation about Golding’s novel The Inheritors, published in 1955. It tells the story of a Neanderthal tribe facing extinction due to the arrival of “the others”—Homo sapiens, our own species. Tim and Tom will discuss the extent of Golding’s artistic license, how he was influenced by the scientific understanding of his time, and whether recent discoveries align with his portrayal of Neanderthal-Homo sapiens interactions. 

Professor Vike Plock and staff from the University of Exeter’s Special Collections will open up the university’s archives of South West authors to allow people gain insights into their creative process through the material that they left behind. The archives on display will include items from authors such as William Golding, Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier, Jack Clemo and Charles Causley. This is a special opportunity to connect with the region’s literary heritage and be inspired by the stories behind the stories.

There will also be a rare opportunity to see renowned theatre and film director Peter Brook’s 1963 adaption, considered to be the most faithful version of the novel, on the big screen. The screening will be preceded by a short talk on the novel’s impact on popular film culture from Dr Phil Wickham, Curator of the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum.

Caroline Walter, Interim Head of Heritage Collections at the University of Exeter, said: “We’re excited to offer a variety of free events across the city. With each event offering a different way to explore Golding’s work, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and discover.”

Spaces at all the events are free but limited, so be sure to pre-book your spot.

Beyond the Island – Creative Writing Workshop – will be held on 25 September 2024 from 1pm to 2:30pm at Positive Lights Projects. Free tickets can be booked through Eventbrite.

Science Fact or Science Fiction? Neanderthal – Homo sapiens encounters in William Golding’s The Inheritors, will be held on 9th October 2024 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Book through the RAMM website

Paper Men & Paper Women: Writers and their Archives will be held on 15 October 2024 from 5pm to 6:30pm at the University of Exeter. Book through Eventbrite 

Lord of the Flies – Film Screening and Talk – will be held on 22 October 2024 at 6pm at Exeter Phoenix. Book through the Exeter Phoenix Box Office