I have just had a wonderful day with the talented young writers of the fabled Denbighshire Writing Squad. We were at the Ruthin Craft Centre, and spent the day writing in celebration of the Ruthin born artist and travel writer Edward Pugh.
Bethan Hughes, from the Denbighshire Library service, who organises the Squad, had brought with her a copy of Pugh's Book - AN ACTUAL COPY! dated 1816. Wow. It was beautiful.
Edward Pugh was the first person to write an account of travelling round North Wales actually talking to and engaging with the inhabitants, Welsh not being a language spoken by English tourists who came in search of the picturesque. He was observant, compassionate, and very funny.
The young writers produced work as if they were travel writers, using themselves as material. There was a lot of editing to get the pieces to a high standard.
The youngsters were brilliant. They must be exhausted this evening - I am!
The Squad's work will be used in various Pugh projects this year.
John Barrell's new book 'Edward Pugh of Ruthin, A Native Artist' has just been published.
No comments:
Post a Comment