Bournemouth Writing Festival celebrated literary giant Robert Louis Stevenson’s 175th birthday in the grounds of his home, where he wrote The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.
Dedicated guests sheltered from the heavy rain under marquees, umbrellas, waterproofs, and blankets at Skerryvore Gardens on Thursday 13 November.
Credit: Solid ImageryThere was a performance from actor Mark Freestone, who played Stevenson in the play The Weevil in the Biscuit, as well as readings from local historian Andrew Emery.
There was also a reading from author Ali Bacon, who’s latest book “The Absent Heart” was inspired by the letters of Stevenson.
Regular festival attendee Alison Nuorto said: “I’ve come tonight to celebrate the birthday of Robert Stevenson, the first collection of poetry that I was ever given was A Child’s Garden of Roses. I love the fact that Bournemouth has a rich literary culture, just a shame about the weather!”
Local Historian Andrew Emery, who moved here from Manchester after falling in love with the town, said: “He’s a big part of the literary history of Bournemouth, like Mary Shelley and J.R.R. Tolkien. I think the dramatic scenery brings something out in people”
Bournemouth Writing Festival
Bournemouth Writing Festival, which brings local writers together for community and encouragement, hosted the event.
The festival hosts several events throughout the year, with one big three day extravaganza in April.
Event organiser Dominic Wong said: “Writing can be a lonely business, but through the festivals events people find a community behind their laptop, cheering them on.”
“One woman came to us with chronic anxiety. Two years later, she’s running her own poetry nights. That’s the power of community.”
RS Stevensons time in Bournemouth.
Robert Louie Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, but came to Bournemouth due to extended bouts of Tuberculosis.
He wrote The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Kidnapped, A Child’s Garden of Roses and others and Skerryvore.
Jekyll and Hyde was supposedly written after a nightmare. He wrote the first draft in just three days but threw it into the fire, displeased with it, and began again.
The legendary author’s other noted works include Treasure Island, Kidnapped, The Body Snatcher and many more.
Find out more about Bournemouth Writing Festival here: https://www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk/
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