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First Minister Opens New Library in Lampeter
17.10.2008
The First Minister, the Rt. Hon. Rhodri Morgan, opened the Roderic Bowen Library in Lampeter today.
The First Minister described the new library as "extremely impressive” and “state-of-the-art”. He added that the Special Collections are a “a rich treasure for students and research”.
"This library is an excellent way of making sure this national treasure of Wales is not locked up but is open to researchers, students and the wider community” he announced before unveiling a specially-commissioned slate plaque by the internationally-acclaimed calligrapher Ieuan Rees, whose studio is in Ammanford.
The First Minister is shown the Lampeter Bible of 1279 by Prof Janet Burton.
This major event in the history of the University of Wales Lampeter provides confirmation of the thriving research culture at the University – rated one of the top universities in Wales for research in the arts and humanities – and offers exciting new facilities for researchers at the university to exploit its celebrated collection of rare books and manuscripts.
During the event, the First Minister was introduced to postgraduate students at the University who have benefited from the bursaries made available by the University to celebrate the opening of the new research library.
Lampeter’s Special Collections are a remarkable treasure trove for researchers and academics. In a recent BBC programme, the actor Michael York found photographs and register entries relating to his father in the archives held in the new research centre. Among the famous books stored in the new building are first editions of such famous works as Jonathan Swift’s Gullivers’ Travels, Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language, Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations and Edward Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, as well as books illustrated by such artists as William Blake, William Hogarth and J. M. W. Turner.
A substantial part of the funding for the new Centre was provided by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, through its Science Research Infrastructure Fund. This funding was supplemented by a generous bequest from the late Dr E. Roderic Bowen QC, a former President and long-time supporter of the University, after whom the Library is named. A portrait of Roderic Bowen has pride of place in the new building.
Further Information
Dr Jane Norris-HillTel: 01570 424799
Email: j.norris-hill@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk
Web: www.lamp.ac.uk
Address: External Affairs, University of Wales, Lampeter, Ceredigion. SA48 7ED
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