The Seymour Biography Lecture

Supported by John and Heather Seymour

The Seymour Lecture in Biography commenced in 2005. The lecture has been generously endowed by Dr John Seymour and Mrs Heather Seymour, AO.

The annual Seymour Biography Lecture, with associated activities, including seminars and workshops, was hosted by the Biography Institute at the Humanities Research Centre between 2005–2009.

In 2010, the Lecture moved to the National Library of Australia, as part of the Seymours’ ongoing sponsorship/support program. The Seymours also sponsor a Summer Scholarship in Biography at the National Library for young postgraduate students.

The inaugural Seymour Lecture was given by distinguished Melbourne author, Dr Brenda Niall, on 2 November 2005.

The Seymour Biography Lectures

2010

The Biographer’s Contract: Presented by Professor Frances Spalding, CBE

2009

Writing Political Lives: Presented by Dr David Day  

2008

Biography: The Past Has a Great Future: Presented by Richard Holmes  

2007

Biography and the Struggle for the Soul of Australia: Presented by Professor Jill Roe

2006

Virtual Lives: History & Biography in an Electronic Age:  Presented by Dr Lawrence Goldman  

2005

‘Walking Upon Ashes’: The Footsteps of a Modern Biographer: Presented by Dr Brenda Niall