Hardy, Powys: Time and Place – A Joint Study Day
This one day event at the historic coaching inn, The Kings Arms, will look at the Wessex region as a context for the life and works of the Powyses and how they interconnect with, and were inspired by, Thomas Hardy and Dorset.
Hardy served as a literary mentor and friend to the Powys family, particularly prominent literary siblings John Cowper Powys and Llewelyn Powys, sharing a deep, poetic connection to the Dorset landscape. As a senior figure, Hardy influenced their Wessex-focused writing, exchanged visits, and maintained professional correspondence, particularly with A.R. Powys, who shared his love of architecture, regarding historical building preservation.
Hardy mentored the young John Cowper Powys after receiving his first book of poems in 1896, inviting him to his home, Max Gate. Cowper Powys later wrote about this relationship, often visiting Hardy. The Powys family, particularly Theodore, are considered successors to Hardy in capturing the essence of rural Dorset life and its darker, superstitious elements in literature. Hardy, a staunch advocate for preserving historical buildings, communicated with Albert Powys, the secretary of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), regarding the preservation of local churches.
The Powyses settled in Dorset and nearby Montacute and, like Hardy, utilized the surrounding landscape for their “Wessex” novels.
ITINERARY
- 10.00 Welcome. Hardy Society introduction (Mark Damon Chutter), Powys Society introduction (Paul Cheshire)
- 10.15 ‘Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Wessex’ – Dr. Tony Fincham.
- 11.15 Coffee break
- 11.30 ‘What a wonderful family.’ Some Powys connections with Dorset. The three literary brothers – Anthony Head.
- 12.30 Lunch Break (lunch not included)
- 13:30 `Anti Essentialism in Wessex: Thomas Hardy and John Cowper Powys’ – Mitch Rowe.
- 14:00 ‘Links between the Powys Family and Thomas Hardy’ Peter Tait.
- 15:00 Tea/Cake (included)
- 15:30 `The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) A.R. Powys and Hardy’. Michelle Hilborne.
- 16.00 ‘Painter, Teacher, Architect, Poet. Others of the Powys clan’. Anthony Head.
- 17.00 Plenary discussion (chaired by Mark Damon Chutter)
- 17.30. Close
- 18.30. Group dinner at the Kings Arms.
