Hewitt Ulster-Scots Poetry Exhibition On Tour

A University of Ulster exhibition on the influences that have shaped Ulster-Scots poetry will tour Northern Ireland over the next year.

Entitled 'Every Townland Earned its Name in Song: John Hewitt's Ulster-Scots Tradition', the exhibition is one of the centrepiece attractions at this year's John Hewitt Summer School and is supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency.

It will start at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh before touring and finishing at the Magee Campus in November 2013, as part of the City of Culture activities.

Panels that make up the exhibition tell the story of esteemed poet John Hewitt’s fascination for the poetry of the Rhyming Weavers, who themselves were influenced by Robert Burns.

The narrative follows the history of the Scots language in Ulster, printing and the linen industry.

The centrepiece in Armagh is a bronze bust of John Hewitt, which has been lent to the project by the Linen Hall Library. Later venues will include sound and film recordings and examples of Hewitt's personal Ulster-Scots library, and visitors will be able to nominate other poets for inclusion.

Co-ordinator Frank Ferguson said: "At the University of Ulster, we are particularly fortunate to have John Hewitt's personal library of Ulster poetry books, and it is marvellous to get the opportunity to communicate the significance of Hewitt's work to the general public."

For information about the project, future exhibition venues, or planned talks and workshops on the theme, email Frank Ferguson on f.ferguson@ulster.ac.uk or call 028 7012 3577.

(NE)