On Board with Darwin at Exmouth Library



“Excellent.” “Really enjoyed it.” “Very good – thanks so much for organising it.” “Absolutely fascinating.” These were just a few of the comments made by people who attended ‘On board with Darwin’ at Exmouth library on 11 March during National Science and Engineering Week. Over fifty people, four of them all the way from Dartmouth, enjoyed the introduction to Conrad Martens, by our partner from 'egenis' at Exeter University, Professor Steve Hughes. Martens, one of the ship’s artists on the Beagle, had lived at Elm Cottage, Exmouth, the site of the present library, before setting off on his voyages. In Australia he is highly regarded as a watercolourist.

The evening continued with discussions lead by Steve Hughes, artist Debbie Robinson and psychologist and arts author and commentator Keith Nichols on the ways in which art influences science and vice versa. For example Captain of the Beagle, Robert Fitzroy, had a remit to study weather and climate during the voyage, and it’s noticeable that Martens painted clouds differently after learning about cloud formations. “A stimulating and thought-provoking evening” commented an enthusiastic member of the audience.

Aye Write! and The Lost World in Glasgow





The Aye Write! Bank of Scotland Book Festival was launched on 5 March with readings from The Lost World at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Children from local schools joined Baillie Cameron (former Lord Provost),Chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow in reading the book. Baillie also discussed The Lost World with members of the Patrick VIP Book Group who had held their meeting at the museum.

Dinosaurs at the Crystal Palace





Children from Bromley and Westminster along with staff from Bromley Parks helped launched The Lost World Read at Crystal Palace on 20 February. The dinosaur statues were created in 1854 when the Crystal Palace moved from its original site in Hyde Park (now part of the City of Westminster). They reflect the prevalent view of what dinosaurs looked like, based on the work of Sir Richard Owen. Charles Darwin and his wife Emma bought a season ticket to the new exhibition, at a "profligate" £3 16s, and attended the official opening ceremony.


Launch day photos



Culture Minister Linda Fabiani and Chair of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust Sir Sandie Crombie at the press launch at Our Dynamic Earth.



Scot Rail staff at Glasgow Queen Street Station.



The Wookey Hole roaring dinosaur comes to Thornbury in South Gloucestershire to launch the project.



The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bristol reading the books in the reptile house of Bristol Zoo Gardens with pupils from New Oak Primary.



Barry the blue-tongued skink explores some Lost World books at St Austell Library with three new friends.


Lost World Exhibition

There's a free exhibition on Conan Doyle, Darwin and early portrayals of evolution at Bristol Reference Library near College Green until 31 May 2009. It's been curated by Dawn Dyer and Anthony Beeson. Here are pictures of some of the displays.