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28.02.2024

On 9 March 2024 a brand new exhibition, Dylan: The Lyrical Life of Dylan Thomas, will open in The Riverside: Library, Gallery & Visitor Information at Haverfordwest, to celebrate the life and work of one of Wales' best poets.

Although Dylan's life was short and full of chaos, he was a prolific writer, and this exhibition looks at his work as a poet and playwright. Among the highlights of the exhibition will be original manuscripts of his poems, drafts and notes, as well as his famous word list and a sketch of the imaginary village 'Llareggub'.

The exhibition also celebrates 70 years since the first BBC broadcast of his 'play for voices', Under Milk Wood, and visitors will have the opportunity to see Dylan's original 1953 script and listen to a selection of clips from the iconic BBC production starring Richard Burton.

Rhian Gibson, Director of Communications, Engagement and Partnerships at the National Library of Wales said:
"We’re very pleased that this exciting collection and exhibition is being opened in Haverfordwest, it is an opportunity for people from beyond the vicinity of the National Library in Aberystwyth to experience and enjoy this very important part of our collections. As a poet who is known all across the world as one of Wales' best poets, the Dylan Thomas' collection is among the treasures of the Library and Wales. We would encourage everyone to visit this special exhibition."

Mari Elin, Interpretation Officer at the National Library of Wales said:
"We are glad to bring this special exhibition to Pembrokeshire - an area that was so close to Dylan's heart. The intention of the exhibition is to look at Dylan's work and life through his own magical words, especially his poetry and the iconic play, Under Milk Wood. We hope that visitors will be delighted with this opportunity to see a unique selection of Dylan's manuscripts, as well as special works of art inspired by his work, and that they too will be inspired to create!"

As well as looking at Dylan's work, the exhibition will also show a selection of unique works of art that have been inspired by Dylan's life and words over the decades. Among these works will be pieces by Ceri Richards, Peter Evershed, Ray Howard Jones and Paul Peter Piech.

The exhibition will open with a very special event on Friday 8 March in the company of Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. As part of the Poet Laureate Library Tour the evening will include readings by him and his guests Owen Sheers and Bethany Handley. Other events to accompany the exhibition and full details will be shared on the Riverside Library, Gallery & Visitor Information website and Facebook page.

Showing alongside the Dylan: The Lyrical Life of Dylan Thomas exhibition is the permanent exhibition Pembrokeshire: Past and Present, focusing on the history, culture and landscape of Pembrokeshire, which will display a selection of new items this season.

Both exhibitions will run until Saturday 14 September 2024.

--ENDS--
**Mae'r datganiad yma hefyd ar gael yn y Gymraeg**

For more details and images, please contact: Rhodri ap Dyfrig, Head of Marketing and Audiences, National Library of Wales: rhodri.apdyfrig@llyfrgell.cymru / 07855362206

NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Riverside: Library, Gallery & Visitor Information, Haverfordwest

The Riverside is a flagship cultural centre in the heart of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Opened in December 2018, it features a 21st century library, visitor information, coffee shop and a national government indemnity gallery space, which showcases collections from The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. This high quality facility is unusual and pioneering and is already playing a central part in regenerating the town and wider area of Pembrokeshire.
For more information visit:

  • The Riverside website
  • Pembrokeshire Libraries Facebook page, or
  • call Glan-yr-afon/The Riverside on 01437 775244

About the National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales is one of the great libraries of the world. Located in Aberystwyth, it is the home of the story of Wales.

Opened in 1907, the Library is the centre of research into the culture and heritage of Wales and the Celtic nations.

The purpose of the Library is to make our culture and heritage accessible for everyone to learn, research and enjoy.

We are a legal deposit library, which means we are entitled to a copy of every print publication in Britain and Ireland, but our collections also include the following:

  • 7,000,000 feet of film
  • 250,000 hours of video
  • 6,000,000 books and newspapers
  • 40,000 manuscripts
  • 1,500,000 maps
  • 150,000 hours of sound
  • 950,000 photographs
  • 60,000 works of art
  • 1,900 cubic meters of archives

You can search the collections online and can find further information along with a list of resources on the Library's website.