Off-concrete: Scottish poetry and the legacy of concrete
An evening of readings and discussion at the Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh
Friday 24 February, 7pm-9pm
All are welcome to this free event exploring and celebrating the legacy of the 1960s vanguard of Scottish and UK concrete poetry in the work of contemporary Scottish poetry, through readings and talks by two Scottish writers working in the field of visual verse, Nick-e Melville and Dorothy Alexander, as well as an open-floor discussion. The event is being held to coincide with, and complement, the exhibition ‘Happiness, Beauty and Play: Edwin Morgan, Ian Hamilton Finlay and UK Concrete Poetry’, on display at the Scottish Poetry Library until the end of February.
The evening will begin with a brief introductory talk linking the work of the two participating poets to that on display in the exhibition. Both poets will then give readings of 15-25 minutes, followed by informal ten minute presentations on how they feel their work is influenced by, or responds to, concrete poetry of the 1960s, particularly from Scotland and the UK. The floor will then be opened for discussion for around 45 minutes.
Wine and carbohydrates provided. Bookings can be made through the Scottish Poetry Library website
Please contact Greg Thomas with any enquiries: [email protected]
Further information on Nick-E Melville and Dorothy Alexander’s work, and the Scottish Poetry Library, can be found at: