Public Lecture: Barry Flanagan

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23 February 2012

Thursday 23 February 2012/4pm

Public Lecture: Barry Flanagan, Concrete Poetry and the Experimental Avant-Garde
Lecturer: Jo Melvin

The magazine Silâns founded and edited by Barry Flanagan whilst a student at St Martins School of Art, London was simultaneously a riposte to the prevailing formalist orthodoxies promoted by the sculptor Anthony Caro who taught at the school and the creation of a new forum for artist/poet collaborations. The magazine was distributed free and available at Better Books, Charing Cross Road. More than a bookshop, run by the poet, Bob Cobbing, it was one of the main venues in London in the 1960's for the avant garde where discussions between artists, beatniks, poets and writers to place regularly. This lecture will explore the cultural mix from which Silâns emerged and point to ways in which its influence prevails today.

This lecture is free and open to the public. Early arrival is recommended as places are limited.