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Time Machines embarks on a journey through the ages at Palace Green Library from May

Posted on April 18th 2017 by Whats on Northeast

A new exhibition at Durham University’s Palace Green Library will be inviting visitors to step through a portal in time and discover how scientific advances inspired some of our greatest writers.

‘Time Machines’ opens on 27th May and will explore how stories can transform any one of us into time travellers. The exhibition will include the original manuscript of H.G. Wells’ 1895 novel ‘The Time Machine,’ which remains one of the most important book in the history of the science fiction genre, on loan from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library of the University of Illinois.

Professor Simon J. James, Head of Department of English Studies at Durham University, said: “Wells is one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century, and today The Time Machine is his most widely read book. It is wonderful to be able to display the manuscript here among items from the Durham collections, in what will be a really fun, as well as informative, exhibition.”

As well as putting the spotlight on Wells, the exhibition will be lifting the lid on a range of other stories that play with our concept of time. Some of the earliest time travel-based fiction from the late 19th Century will be unravelled, as well as other narratives through the ages that developed with scientific advances made by the likes of Darwin and Einstein. Dr Jennifer Terry, Senior Lecturer in English at Durham University said: “Time Machines includes some exciting contemporary exhibits that highlight the part we play in time and our potential influence in shaping what comes next.”

A programme of events will also be taking place at the Palace Green Library over the coming months to coincide with ‘Time Machines.’ On Wednesday 5th July, Bristol University’s Cherry Lewis will be talking about Arthur Holmes’ time at Durham’s Department of Geology in the 20th Century and his extraordinary quest to accurately date the age of the Earth. Meanwhile, on Wednesday 2nd August, Dr David Rooney, Keeper at the Science Museum in London and former Curator of Timekeeping at the Royal Observatory, will be putting a lively, illustrated spin on the story behind Greenwich Mean Time.

With more events still to be announced and an already fascinating exhibition ready for launch, you’ll be wanting to step through the vortex of time and space just to experience what it has in store.

Time Machines comes to the Palace Green Library, Durham University from Saturday 27th May until Sunday 3rd September 2017. Admission charges apply, which allows for two additional visits, and discounted rates are available for parties of nine or more. For more information, visit the Palace Green Library website.

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