Talks

I offer a selection of approximately hour long talks on Welsh film, art and aspects of Welsh history. Please contact me for price and availability. If there is a topic you are specifically looking for, please get in touch and we can discuss it.

Get in touch to book a talk

The Art Of Nina Hamnett

Much has been written about the life of Tenby born artist Nina Hamnett, the Queen of Bohemia. This talk will instead concentrate on her art, her influences and her contributon to the 20th century art world.

Augustus John – an assessment of his life and artistic career

A detailed exploration of the colourful life of artist Augustus John (1878 – 1961). This traces the artist through his early days in Tenby, his time at the Slade, his work as a portrait artist and his later life. Filled with anecdote, reminiscences and critical insights.

World of Words - Writers and Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire has close connections with several notable writers. This talk explores many of these, ranging from Daniel Defoe through to Tony Curtis.

The Treachery of the Blue Books and the Welsh Not

A look at the form of punishment used on pupils that was utilised to try and subdue the use of the Welsh language in schools in the 19th century. The talk explores the Welsh language from the 16th century onwards and how the 1846 Reports of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the State of Education in Wales adversely affected the language in Wales.

Dylan Thomas and Under Milk Wood

Having previously written fairly extensively on Dylan Thomas, in this talk I will be exploring the development of Under Milk Wood throughout Dylan’s life as well as looking at how it remains so important and vital in our culture.

Perce Blackborow and Edgar Evans – Welsh polar explorers

Percy (Perce) Blackborrow from Newport was a stowaway on Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition to cross Antarctica via the South Pole and Edgar Evans from Rhossili sailed with Robert Scott on the ill-fated Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole. Hear how these two Welsh sailors earned their place in polar history.

The Man Who Went Back: Harold Lowe and the Titanic

When the Titanic sank in 1912, First Officer Harold Lowe, born in Wales, was the only officer to go back with a lifeboat to help save passengers. This talk tells his dramatic and heroic story.

Richard Burton – a personal look at my top 10 Burton films

As an amateur but enthusiastic film buff and a huge fan of Welsh actors, this personal look into my favourite Welsh actor explores what I feel to be his top ten performances. Filled with behind-the-scenes information, colourful and insightful anecdote and close examination of these wonderful films.

Kenneth Griffith – Tilting at Windmills

Tenby born Kenneth Griffith was not only a well-respected actor but also a notable maker of often controversial documentaries. This talk explores several of these documentaries in detail.

The Exorcist – looking at the reaction of Tenby on its first showing

Is The Exorcist one of the best scary movies ever made? I think so. And so, in this talk I will be exploring how the film was received in Tenby when it was first shown in 1973 as well as looking in more detail at the film and its legacy.

Talks coming soon …

The Welshness of Richard Burton

Despite travelling all over the world, did Richard Burton ever lose his Welshness? The talk will explore Burton’s connections with Wales and his lasting legacy to the country of his birth.

Everyday Objects and their connections to slavery

How often do we make use of objects without realising their darker connections? This informative talk will look at a series of objects and materials that have a story to tell about the slave trade.

Dylan Thomas and the War

Dylan did not serve in the military during the Second World War but he did put his pen into action, writing propaganda films, and some of his poetry also addressed the conflict. This talk will explore the war of Dylan Thomas.