Home > Series 24

Series 24: Writers' Retreats, 1957, 1966-1968

Comprises Items 1-139.

This series contains papers relating to the first and second Writers' Retreats held at the University of New England, Armidale NSW, 5 January to 3 February 1967 and 19 May to 1 June 1968. The retreats were organised by Derek Whitelock, senior lecturer in the Department of University Extension at the university. Slessor was consultant tutor for a week at the first retreat and one of the selectors of members for the second retreat. Other consultant tutors at the first retreat were Frank Hardy, Ivan Southall, Judith Wright, John Thompson and Thomas Keneally, while Judah Waten, Harold Lander, Rodney Hall and Al Alvarez were tutors at the second retreat.

The series includes: correspondence about the organisation of retreats and the possibility of a Commonwealth Literary Fund grant for the second retreat; detailed lists of applicants for the two retreats; reports on both retreats; a detailed evaluation of the first retreat; and processed, typed and handwritten copies of poems by members of the retreats. Papers relating to Slessor's participation in the first Writers' Retreat include handwritten and typescript notes for discussion, a typescript of Slessor's assessment of the retreat, and a photograph of the members who attended.

 

Folder 1 Correspondence, applications and poems, 1957, 1966-1967
Comprises Items 1-89. Includes poems of Denis Kevans dated 1957.
Folder 2 Correspondence and applications, 1968
Comprises Items 90-139.
Home > Series 24