|
Without Pomp or Nonsense
|
|
.jpg) "When Byron’s eyes were closed in death We bowed our heads and held our breath; He taught us little, but our soul Had felt him like the thunder’s roll" Matthew Arnold Lord Byron died in Greece in 1824, and his body was transported back to his family seat in Nottingham. Byron had hoped to be buried in the prestigious Poet’s Corner, but thanks to a life of debauchery and scandal, he was denied this final honour. On learning this, Byron gave instructions to his doctor… “Lay me in the first corner, without pomp or nonsense." Byron’s body was taken on a procession through Nottingham, which according to the press of the day attracted literally thousands of followers, weeping silently. The procession went through Hockley and the Lace Market, and the poet was laid out on display in The Blackamoor’s Head pub on the corner of Pelham Street and High Street. In response to Nottingham Contemporary’s current off-site exhibition entitled That Beautiful Pale Face Is My Fate (For Lord Byron), Hinterland Projects has undertaken to re-enact this momentous occasion in memorial of its most infamous son. On a Sunday morning, Hinterland invites you to join a silent 15-minute procession to mark the spectacle which took place on Nottingham’s streets when Lord Byron returned home to his final resting place. Meeting Place: 11am prompt, Weekday Cross, opposite Nottingham Contemporary Mourning Dress: Those who wish to wear full Byronic mourning garb may dress in their black velvet and lace finery, although it is not essential attire. Please note there is free entry available from the Nottingham Contemporary website to “That Beautiful Pale Face Is My Fate“(For Lord Byron) at Newstead Abbey (Entrance fee for the gardens only will still apply) Attendees to the procession will receive a map of special interest sites relating to Lord Byron in Hucknall, a short tram ride away. Without Pomp or Nonsense: Reading Room event Texts: New artists writing Sunday 31 August 1pm at ALAN SILITOE ROOM, Waterstone’s Bookshop, Nottingham In collaboration with The Coelacanth Press. Booking essential. Following the procession, Hinterland present a study event focusing on the launch of a new journal of artists writings on the theme of Hysteria. Limited places available for this afternoon session, please book a place by contacting jennie@hinterlandprojects.com Visit the Reading Room page for more information |
