Events

Throughout late September and October, join us for a series of events celebrating the 70th Anniversary of Lord of the Flies and the legacy of William Golding.

Immerse yourself in part of the Southwest's rich literary heritage and explore our archives and research at thought-provoking events, designed to offer fresh perspectives.

All events are free, but spaces are limited, so be sure to pre-book your spot! Please note that many of the events will be held at partner venues in the city centre.

Beyond the Island - Creative Writing Workshop

25 September 2024

1pm - 2:30pm

@ Positive Lights Projects

Join us at Positive Lights Projects for a unique creative writing workshop. Led by Ellen Wiles, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Exeter, this session offers a rare opportunity to explore unpublished pages from Golding's handwritten draft. 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.

Whether you're an experienced writer or just beginning your journey, this workshop will spark your creativity and challenge you to craft your own opening to the novel. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow writers and expand your creative horizons!

Refreshments will be provided.

This event is FREE, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Book through Eventbrite

Science Fact or Science Fiction? Neanderthal – Homo sapiens encounters in William Golding’s The Inheritors

9th October 2024

6:30pm-7:30pm

@ Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)

Join Tim Kendall, Professor of English & Creative Writing at the University of Exeter, and Tom Cadbury, Assistant Curator of Archaeology and Antiquities at the RAMM, for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the worlds of literature and science.

The Inheritors, published in 1955 and considered by William Golding as his finest work, tells the story of a Neanderthal tribe facing extinction due to the arrival of "the others"—Homo sapiens, our own species. Its vivid and immersive portrayal of the characters’ sensory experiences led one journalist to describe it as “an earthquake in the petrified forests of the English novel.”

This exclusive event will delve into the heart of the novel, exploring 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.

This event is FREE, but booking is essential.

Book through the RAMM website

Paper Men & Paper Women: Writers and their Archives

15 October 2024

5pm-6:30pm

@ Special Collections, University of Exeter

Join Professor Vike Plock (Head of English & Creative Writing) and staff from the University of Exeter's Special Collections for an immersive experience into the world of literature.

Explore the archives of South West authors and 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, Charles Causley, Sylvia Kantaris, and many more.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with the literary heritage and be inspired by the stories behind the stories. Don't miss out on this exciting event!This is a unique opportunity to connect with the literary heritage and be inspired by the stories behind the stories. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

The session is FREE, but ticketed.