30 May 2005

Launch of writers' "Time Lines" exhibition

PRESS EVENT/PHOTOCALL - WEDNESDAY JUNE 1, 6.45pm, TOWER BUILDING FOYER, UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE.

Some of Dundee's rich history - from its jute mills to the early days of Liff Hospital - has provided a source of inspiration for students on a writing course at the University of Dundee's Department of Continuing Education.

Students on the "Continuing as a Writer" course were given access to the University’s Archives department, where they were asked to find objects or source material that may inspire them. The students responded to a wide range of items held in the University archive, from the stunning Peto photographic collection to old nautical charts of the River Tay.

The work they produced, and the objects which inspired it, are now being brought together for an exhibition, "Time Lines", which will be on show in the foyer of the University Tower Building until mid-July. The exhibition will be launched with a reception in the Tower Building foyer on Wednesday June 1. Some of the students who contributed, who are from across the age and social spectrums, will be in attendance.

"The University archives hold some fascinating objects and documents and these have been taken and used as the inspiration for some fascinating work by our students," said craft class tutor Esther Read, who takes the class.

The "Continuing as a Writer" course is a follow-on to the "Becoming A Writer" class run by the Department of Continuing Education.

The Department's programme consists of approximately 200 courses including weekly classes, day courses, access courses, undergraduate courses and other special events. Many of the courses are held in the University but some are offered in Angus, Perth and Perthshire.

The majority of courses do not require any entry qualifications and are generally open to anyone over the age of 16. Teaching methods are geared towards adult learners and classes are held in informal surroundings with up-to-date teaching materials and audio-visual equipment.

Anyone interested in courses at the Department of Continuing Education can contact the Department on 01382 344128 or look at the website at www.dundee.ac.uk/learning

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk