Celebrate Dylan Thomas Day at The National Library of Wales

May 14th is International Dylan Thomas Day, celebrating the life and work of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, and The National Library of Wales will be marking the occasion with an exciting exhibition: Under Milk Wood.

The exhibition will open on 14th May and will run for a week – providing visitors with an opportunity to view items from the Library’s manuscript, visual and printed collections and reflecting the enduring popularity of Under Milk Wood. Included will be #DyddDylanDay #peopleschoicewinner, the famous sketch map by Dylan Thomas of the fictional village Llareggub.

The exhibition also features a script of the radio play, the musical score by his childhood friend Daniel Jones, printed editions of the work, and photographs taken during the filming of Andrew Sinclair’s classic production.

Linda Tomos, National Librarian said:

“I’m excited that some of our new Dylan Thomas acquisitions not previously shown to the public will be part of this pop up exhibition to note International Dylan day”.

During the past decade the Library has made considerable efforts to enhance its Dylan Thomas collection, and now provides a wealth of material to researchers and readers eager to learn more about the poet and his work. In particular, drafts of his works, word lists and letters from Thomas reveal much about the way he wrote and demonstrate his exceptional ability as a writer.

This exhibition, focusing on one of his most enduring works, demonstrates the appeal of Under Milk Wood from early performances to the present day and reflects the numerous stage, film, animated and recorded adaptations and interpretations.

Among the manuscripts on display is a letter recently acquired by the Library, from Dylan Thomas to Elizabeth Reitell. The letter, addressed from the Boat House, was sent in June 1953, soon after Dylan’s return from a tour of America, and less than five months before his death.

Sian Bowyer, Assistant Archivist at The National Library of Wales added:

“There is evidence suggesting that this manuscript and another already held in our collections were previously owned by the same collector, and we’re extremely glad to be able to reunite these items which become separated for some reason many years ago.”

This free exhibition will be open between 14 – 21 May.