About the lectures
The British author Philippa Pearce is probably best known for the children’s book Tom’s Midnight Garden, which won the Carnegie Medal in 1958. Like many of Philippa’s other works, the novel explores concepts of time, as well as connections between past and present, and between parents and children. All are deeply imbued with a sense of place – the East Anglian landscape where Philippa’s family lived for generations, and where she spent most of her life.
After her death in 2006, a group of Philippa’s friends, family and colleagues wanted to create a living memorial which would celebrate achievement in literature for young people. Thanks to them, and in particular to the vision and energy of Professor Morag Styles, the Philippa Pearce Lecture was launched in 2008. The inaugural lecture took the form of a tribute to Philippa Pearce and her work, with talks by Julia Eccleshare, Victor Watson and the playwright David Wood, who worked closely with Philippa on the script of his play of Tom’s Midnight Garden. Readings from the books were given by the actor Samuel West, who had happy childhood memories of hearing her read.
The Philippa Pearce Lecture has since become established as a prestigious literary event which offers a platform for distinguished children’s authors, poets and illustrators to reflect on their art. The roll call includes many of the Children's Laureates. From the place of fear in children’s books to what poetry is for, the thought-provoking subjects have been a fitting reflection of Philippa’s own wide-ranging interests.
After her death in 2006, a group of Philippa’s friends, family and colleagues wanted to create a living memorial which would celebrate achievement in literature for young people. Thanks to them, and in particular to the vision and energy of Professor Morag Styles, the Philippa Pearce Lecture was launched in 2008. The inaugural lecture took the form of a tribute to Philippa Pearce and her work, with talks by Julia Eccleshare, Victor Watson and the playwright David Wood, who worked closely with Philippa on the script of his play of Tom’s Midnight Garden. Readings from the books were given by the actor Samuel West, who had happy childhood memories of hearing her read.
The Philippa Pearce Lecture has since become established as a prestigious literary event which offers a platform for distinguished children’s authors, poets and illustrators to reflect on their art. The roll call includes many of the Children's Laureates. From the place of fear in children’s books to what poetry is for, the thought-provoking subjects have been a fitting reflection of Philippa’s own wide-ranging interests.
“I have a much cherished first edition of Tom’s Midnight Garden. I vividly remember reading it to my daughter when she was nine. It was one of our favourite books.”
Jacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson
