The Old Wives’ Tale: Novel History

The Conference will consider all aspects of The Old Wives’ Tale in its Centenary Year.  These include the treatment of servants, literary French models and influences, and the novel’s legacy for regional writers today.  Peter Preston’s (Nottingham University) Keynote Address will compare and contrast Bennett’s novel with other 1908 publications.  Tim Brearley’s (Samphire Productions) Bennett Documentary is at the editing stage and we are privileged that he has agreed to première excerpts – looking particularly at Bennett in France at the time of composition – at the Conference.  The afternoon concludes with a Question/Answer Panel, joined by Bennett’s biographer, Margaret Drabble and Deborah Moggach.

There is an optional evening Dinner in Burslem at Denry's.  Full details on back of application form. No advance payment but the organiser do need you to indicate on the booking form if you intend to join us.

The Booking Fee for the Conference is £25.  This includes a buffet lunch at the Potteries Museum, together with morning and afternoon refreshments.

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery houses an extensive Archive of Arnold Bennett material, including many of his watercolours and original manuscripts, some of which will be especially displayed for the Conference.  There is also a small permanent Bennett exhibition.  The Forum Theatre itself is a prestigious and comfortable venue, equipped for audio-visual displays, microphones, and air-conditioning.  There is ample pay public car-parking close by.

Accommodation (if required) may be booked at The Haydon House Hotel, Basford – the appropriate rates are included on the Booking Form.

If you would like to reserve a place on this well-established and popular Conference, please complete and return the Booking Form.

Any general questions about the Conference should be addressed to the Conference organiser, John Shapcott: Tel. 01782 515654 or at ab.conference@btinternet.com