Sat 2 Nov, 11am-4.30pm
Our annual celebration of Merseyside-born writer Malcolm Lowry this year falls on the Mexican Day of the Dead, the setting for his famous novel, Under the Volcano. Taking this theme, our programme includes talks, films and a participatory Day of the Dead altar dedicated to Lowry.
Visit our Library to find out more about Malcolm Lowry and past Lowry Lounge celebrations at the Bluecoat.
Sat 2 Nov, 11am-4.30pm
Tickets: £8
The Lounge programme includes:
A Tribute to John Hyatt
The artist had a long association with the Bluecoat and was involved in the Lounge before his untimely death in 2023, contributing memorable installations, printed wall hangings, performances and participation activities.
Lowry and the Day of the Dead
An illustrated talk with film clips by Wirral-based Lowry expert Colin Dilnot about the importance of these days (1-2 November) to Under the Volcano. The book is set in Quauhnahuac (Cuernavaca) in 1938 as Mexicans pay their respects to and remember friends and family members who have died.
Adrian Henri’s ‘Day of the Dead in Hope Street’
This painting by the Liverpool poet and artist features Lowry among a crowd of cultural characters and Henri’s friends processing along the city’s Hope Street. The painting is discussed by Catherine Marcangeli of the Adrian Henri Estate and Bryan Biggs, the Bluecoat’s Director of Cultural Legacies, in relation to Henri’s earlier composition, Christ’s Entry into Liverpool (1962-64).
The Novel is Mexican
Helen Tookey reads extracts from her work in progress, a creative non-fiction exploration of reading Lowry, with a focus on the novel's Day of the Dead setting.
Open Malc
An opportunity to contribute to the day’s theme and share any information on Lowry-related activities that people are involved in.
Rough Passage
Lounge organisers introduce this first documentary film about Lowry, made for television in 1967, directed by Tristram Powell and produced by Melvyn Bragg.
Finale
A traditional toast to the writer as we play out the Lounge with a Lowry/Day of the Dead-themed disco.
Contact bryan.b@thebluecoat.org.uk for further information, including bringing gifts for the altar. Postal contributions should be sent, by 28 October, to:
Malcolm Lowry Altar
The Bluecoat
School Lane
Liverpool L1 3BX
You can find out more about the Bluecoat’s previous Lounges and other Malcolm Lowry-related programmes here.
The Lowry Lounge is supported by RILCH (Research Institute for Literature and Cultural
History), Liverpool John Moores University.