Elizabeth Taylor Centenary: Elizabeth Taylor Day in Reading, UK (21 April)

Reposting RMcAuley's information from this message:

I've organised an Elizabeth Taylor Day in the town where she was born. Her son and daughter will be there. Speakers include her friend, fellow author and admirer, Elizabeth Jane Howard (another under-rated writer) and Philip Hensher. Details here: http://www.readingarts.com/othervenues/event.asp?id=SX1348-A781F4E6 If any librarything members would like to come, please sign up as soon as possible.

Billed as "A day of talks, walks and discussion to celebrate the centenary (1912-1975) of a great post-war novelist enjoying renewed popularity," the program includes personal reminiscences by her children, lectures, panels, and book group sessions on Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont and At Mrs Lippincote's.

Several members of this group have booked tickets. Sadly, I am not one of them. I created this thread so we could all celebrate vicariously through your experience. I hope everyone who attends can share a bit about the event, and if there are photos, so much the better!

Oh thank you, Laura! I will try and absorb as much as I can and relay it back for your vicarious satisfaction!

My sister has texted to say she has bought me a ticket so I will definitely be there. Which group read have others requested? I've asked for Mrs Palfrey as it's my favourite Taylor of those that I've read and I haven't read Mrs Lippincote's. I'm now wondering if I should re-read Mrs Palfrey as it's been several years...

I promise to take notes although I can't promise to be able to decipher them afterwards...

I booked tickets for At Mrs Lippincote's for the same reason as Dee (although for different books) so we should be able to cover both talks.

I looked up the library where the talks will be held (I was trying to research car parking - I've now decided to Park and Ride) and it's a beautiful building. Apparently they've been doing a refurbishment over the last 6-7 months too.



More photos on the library's web page here.

Thanks for getting this thread under way - a great idea!

I will try to do likewise and share thoughts and feelings on what promises to be a very interesting day. I booked tickets for At Mrs Lippincote's as well. Looking forward to meeting you both :)

Thank you for spreading the word. I am delighted to see that members of this group have already bought tickets. There'll be a walk during each book session ie it will be possible to attend both book sessions if you don't go on the walk.

I am really tempted by this - just looked up trains - anyone know how far it is from station to the venue - I have never been to Reading so may get lost if it's complicated : )

#6 I don't really know Reading but from google maps the Reading West train station looks quite near (10 minute walk per google) but the Town Centre train station would be a half hour walk. Do you know which one your train would stop at?

I don't - but that would be ok - could always get a taxi if i need to - but I generally walk everywhere anyway.

-Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! have done it! Booked ticket for event, booked train tickets - now excited!! I have booked for At Mrs Lippincotes group -as of the two it is the one I read most recently.

Wonderful!

If your train doesn't go direct to Reading West it will be easy to change at Reading for Reading W. And yes, I think it's walking distance or a quick taxi ride to the library. Really looking forward to meeting you, Alison!

I'm booking it NOW ...

> 11 Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

... and I've booked it. Exciting!

13: So pleased! There will a veritable gang of us- the LibraryThing posse!

I wanted to go but Mr W and I have ballet tickets in Milton Keynes that day :(

Oo, I think I will book when I'm at home - it will be lovely to meet some of you there!

15: Shame! :(
16: Wonderful! :)

I hadn't spotted that I'll have to choose between Taylor novels for discussion - well, I loved Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, but I read it ages ago... and I haven't read At Mrs. Lippincote's... choices choices!

18 It will be lovely to meet you as well:)
15 Oh what a pity Verity - I was going to suggest teaming up and going together!

Simon, which did you chose? I had the same dilemma. I chose Mrs Palfrey because it's my favourite of the ones I've read, then realised I would probably need to re-read it before a group discussion and that I might as well have chosen the one I haven't read!

I'm looking forward to meeting blogger Dove Grey Reader though, who is leading the Mrs Palfrey discussion. And as no one else has said they're going to Mrs Palfey, at least I'll be able to report back. Though RMcAuley did say it would be possible to do both discussions if you didn't go on the walk...

Liz, which book did you chose?

So excited that so many people are going to be able to come! I hadn't properly looked at the names of the people doing the talks and only just noticed the plan for the day. Perhaps I should read Mrs Palfrey and go to both talks? Decisions, decisions....

Well, I am finding the website impossible to use. I set up an account, and then it immediately says that my email and password are 'invalid'. So I reset the password. Invalid again... *sigh*

And I'm going for At Mrs. Lippincote's, so that I read it!

22 - Simon - I had a little bit of trouble as well. I think they send you an email with a numerical password which you enter and then change if you so wish.

21 - I must check the plan for the day as well - thank you! Great to see Lynne Hatwell taking part as well :)

I met Lynne at the Oxford Literary festival a couple of years ago and she is not only very engaging but lovely as well. I expect we all know her blog http://dovegreyreader.typepad.com/ If you are not acquainted do take a moment to go over and browse. She has recently written a moving piece about losing her brother .....

I read that piece, Julie, and agree -- very moving. I love her blog.

Me too Laura ... it was a real privilege to actually meet her - she was still working at the time.

Well, I had to reset my password three times, but I finally managed to book!

Well done - so looking forward to meeting everyone :)

It's on Saturday! So ... are we all going to wear Virago Green, or how else are we going to identify ourselves? Ali and I are coming together, which should help people identify us ...

: ) really looking forward to it - maybe we should all carry a green Virago to wave at one another.

I'm considering bringing the bookbag that Jen made me with the appliqued soupdragon from my profile page on it!

I can wear a green top and carry a green Virago (although sadly not an Elizabeth Taylor one as those are all the newer designs).

So excited!

I'll probably be the one in the front of the queue for Neil Reeve's book even though it's very expensive and I really shouldn't!

I suspect I'll be the only 26 year old man...! But I'll be scanning the Portraits thread before I go.

>32 Soupdragon: I am not even going to pretend I won't be buying that book - because the only way I won't be is if they run out before I get there.

Ah yes, aren't we going to buy one for each other, Ali - then it WON'T COUNT!

Nice logic!

Remind me, what is this book?

>33 Stuck-in-a-Book:: I suspect I'll be the only 26 year old man...
tee hee!

Simon this is the book
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Taylor-A-Centenary-Celebration/dp/1443836567/r...

Hope that link works

Thanks! I think I'll wait til the library gets it, at that price...

Liz - are you going for Mrs. Palfrey or Mrs. Lippincote?
I've started At Mrs. Lippincote's now, and I have a feeling it'll be my favourite yet. It does seem to have a bit in common with The Return of the Soldier...

Simon - Liz and I are both doing At Mrs Lippincote's but we were hoping we might be able to do the other one as well - as the timetable seems to suggest this might be possible. Of course if there are too many people we may not be allowed : )

I think on another thread, RMcauley (who I've just worked out is author, Roisin McAuley who is speaking at the event) said that you could do both if you didn't go on the walk.

Ah, thank you, Ali - I thought that was the one. I have just finished Wreath of Roses so might dig out Mrs Palfrey to try to get it in before Sat ...

Hmm.. if the weather continues as it is at the moment, I think I'll definitely be a candidate for two book groups rather than the walk! Hailing in Oxford this morning...

I haven't got Mrs Blinking Palfrey (although I'm sure I've read her) so am getting on with A Game of Hide and Seek instead. Well, not right now. I'm working right now. Can't you tell?

Do you want to borrow Mrs Palfrey Lyzzy? Let me know on twitter and I can bring it in and give it to Simon who I think I will see tomorrow and he can take it on Saturday as sadly I'm not going...

Hmm - it seems Simon's done a swap so I may not see him

Aw - thanks Verity! I will get my own copy when it comes round to it - I really did think I had them all and of course I've had to buy two already!! But thank you!

Just listening to the weather now and ..... sunshine and showers with temps at 11 - 13 degrees. We are going to need brollies if we do the walk.

Simon - if you are not the only 26 year old man ..... there may well be one or two very suprised looking 26 yr old men as 'we' gals approach them:)

I will wear some purple earings and dye my hair white for the day. Looking forward to meeting you.

Ooh, it's exciting, isn't it (frantically reads A Game of Hide and Seek)

I'm so envious of you all! I hope you have a wonderful day; I know I will not be the only one here looking forward to hearing all about it.

Oh dear, I have most of At Mrs. Lippincote's to read, because I'm supposed to be returning two books to someone today - yesterday morning I'd only read a bit of one of them! They are good, though. Zella Sees Herself and Three Marriages by E.M. Delafield

I have an evil plan to force Heaven-Ali to bring her Mrs Palfrey for me to skim read on the train. AND I don't know what to wear!

I am laying aside the novel I started last night - and will be attempting to have read most of The Blush by the time we get there - Liz and I will be ignoring each other and reading on the train : ) at least I have read both books that are up for discussion in the not too distant past.

I have my train tickets and my bag is packed. To join in with the themed reading I'm going to take A Wreath of Roses on the train which I still haven't started for this month's read.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Just looking up the route etc .... see you all tomorrow .... I too am feeling quite excited!

Don't forget your cameras!!! Have a wonderful time everyone.

I am feeling really rather excited now. About to turn in early with The Blush have read 5 of the 12 stories so far since coming home from work, one more I think tonight then the rest tomorrow on the train. See some of you tomorrow -wheeeeeeeeee!!

I've realised I need something to read on the bus TO the train, so I think my The Blush might come with me for that ... see you at the train station in the morning, Ali, and the rest of you there!

My train arrives at Reading West at 10.41, I think, so I'll see you all just after that!

As for what I'll be reading... probably The Week, in prep for Sunday night quiz.

Great fun was had by all! I'm sure others will come in with longer reports, but I thought I'd dash by and say what fun it was, and how lovely to meet those who came.

You tease, Simon!

It was lovely. A couple of pics.


outside the library



Simon, Heather and Julie



Dee, Julie and Liz at lunchtime

It was a lovely day, fascinating and with some lovely speakers. I particularly loved the personal memoires that her children shared with us. It made me want to read them all right away and at the same time not read them too quickly but savour them. I read The Blush going down and coming home on the train - finishing it about 20 mins before we got back to Birmingham.

I will blog about it all tomorrow.

What great photos!!!! I bet it was a great time! Good company to say the least.

Nice pics, Ali - and may I post the one of our shocking coincidence on the train?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9247360@N04/6955158598/in/photostream

and I have now done a blog post about the day - should have taken notes.

http://heavenali.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/elizabeth-taylor-day-at-battle-library...

It sounds like it was a wonderful and very interesting day!

Lovely blog, Ali. Thank you.

Indeed it was a lovely day and Ali's blog post was excellent indeed. At so many levels it was an encouraging and thought provoking day. To hear from ET's children was so very special - especially when they put speakers 'right' over recollections (especially those relating to the NB book). There was a great sense of humility as well as comedy, honesty and the feminist streak. And how wonderful to see the widow of Kingsley Amis who was late as she was 'lost in Reading'.... she has every ounce of my sympathy. But ... look here she is arriving on a motorised wheelie chair - good on her at a mere 89!

I wish we had been able to teleport you all there. We did include you in spirit and made it clear that we were but a small representation of a much larger group. It was great to re-accquaint ourselves with Lynne Hatwell aka Dovegreyreader. She really stimulated conversation around Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont. DIane Freeborn hosted the conversation around At Mrs Lippincote's and led us through some really fascinating discussion relating to the question of the war. I was quite heartened by this as it had been in my mind when I read the book and I thought I was being rather dim about it.

A memorable comment from one speaker ... 'not really the type of book a young man would pick up ... *we* put them straight immediately!! Simon made an observation regarding the fact that ET must be the most highly regarded 'not very well known writer' of her age which made me chuckle! I quipped that if they made the covers a lot better in the modern versions rather than dumb them down using the film 'tie ins' (yuck) they would reach a more appreciative audience!

I am now off to retrieve more pics from my iPhone. Whatever *am* I doing in these pics? Dee looks like she is having a snooze:) ... I look disgusted while Liz, ever the lady in her delightful yellow skirt consumes grapes with a cocktail stick :)) Heather you look wonderful while Simon and I look rather ..... blurred!

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Here we are eating lunch Simon, Heather, myself, Dee, Ali and Liz

After lunch, Dee aka soupdragon engages with ELizabeth Jane Howard who then autographs Dee's copy of ....

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Job well done I say!

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Dee, which book was it?

These last two pictures are like cameos of a love of literature being passed from one generation to another. Elizabeth spoke of her deep and lasting friendship with ELizabeth Taylor whose beautiful visage is in the foreground whilst young Dee - the next holder of an illustrious line looks on as Elizabeth autographs her book .... quite beautiful.

The afternoon was spent in conversation surrounding Mrs Palfrey at The Claremont and At Mrs Lippincote's. Blogger and LT friend Lynne Hatwell hosted the latter.

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And finally, with apologies for making you drool. Here is the day plan.

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Picture in 70 is remarkable for showing me with a shop-bought sandwich: not a common happening and well done, Tesco, for providing me with one.

I ate the grapes with a Very Small Fork, by the way.

Thanks for posting all these lovely pics!

Apologies .... a Very Small Fork indeed.

Thank you! I am so jealous that you not only met up but had a great day. Wonderful pics and vis a vis you both bringing The Blush to read on the train - there are no coincidences!!

Thank you so much for sharing the photos -- it looks like an excellent event and a wonderful opportunity to get to know one another.

I've reviewed the day, a little, and also A Game of Hide And Seek, Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont and The Blush, on my blog, if anyone is interested (not too many spoilers in the book reviews!)

Glad you all had a lovely day. Thanks for sharing and posting the photos. I can't wait to meet some of you in June!

Thanks Julie, Liz and Ali for the photos and blog posts. It was a wonderful day and it was lovely to meet you all.

#72 Julie, I think it was The Light Years, the first in the Cazalet Chronicles which Dee bought and asked EJH to sign.

There was a little leaflet given out on Saturday offering 20% off N. H. Reeve's new book, Elizabeth Taylor: A Centenary Celebration (RRP £34.99 or $52.99). I think you need to buy it from the publisher's website (www.c-s-p.org) and use login: taylor, password: taylor20% to get the discount (I hope I'm not going to get in trouble for posting this). There was a copy to look through on Saturday and it did look like a very nice little book although probably too expensive for me to buy at the moment.

It was such an amazing day, I loved it! Just taking part in the Elizabeth Taylor event would have been wonderful enough. It was very special hearing about Taylor from a friend and family. What made it even more special was meeting and sharing the experience with Taylor fans who were LibraryThing friends and all just as lovely as you'd expect!

Then there was meeting Elizabeth Jane Howard! I've just read her autobiography, Slipstream (review on main page) and she came across exactly as she did in her book. Impressive, charismatic but strangely lacking in self-esteem. She was very surprised when I told her how pleased I was she had made it to the event and said she didn't think there would be anyone who had come to see her! Thank you so much for taking those photos, Julie. They are also the first ones I have my eyes open in so proof I didn't actually snooze through the whole day!

Yes, it was the first of the Cazalet chronicles which EJH signed.

Another photo:

69: Diane Freeborn hosted the conversation around At Mrs Lippincote's and led us through some really fascinating discussion relating to the question of the war

Well, now I've finally read Mrs Lippincotes (on the train, on the way home, having finally bought a copy at the book stall), I'd love to hear more about the discussion. Did you take notes in that wonderful journal, Julie? Actually I think your journal deserves a photo of its own!

The one advantage of missing the Mrs Lippincotes discussion was that I did go on the walk. The best bit was walking alongside Jo Kingham and hearing little snippets about her mother, that I wouldn't have heard otherwise.

When we got to the site where Taylor's school had been, Jo told us that her mother had written novels and diaries through her teenage years. Apparently the entry for her last day at school reads something like:

All the other girls know what they're doing next but I haven't the foggiest idea. Maybe someone will marry me. In the meantime I have just started another novel.

Love it!

Unsurprisingly perhaps, Nicola Beauman was persona non grata at the event with both Jo Kingham and Elizabeth Jane Taylor referring to that biography (without mentioning Beauman's name) in rather disgusted/horrified tones! When the local historian leading the walk gave us a fact that Jo corrected, he explained he had found it in Taylor's biography. Jo said, "Well, I wouldn't believe everything you read in that book. There are a lot of inaccuracies".

82: Thanks for posting that code, Heather. I know it's only a matter of time before I succumb!

82 & 84: I know it's only a matter of time before I succumb!

I succumbed!

That took a lot of resisting Dee!!! I am off to more work but will look up my journal notes - we also had a lovely sheet of references to war which I will ask the dearly beloved to scan for the benefit of us all :)

Talking of my journal we have yet to see the photo on this thread of your soupdragon bag which also graced us with its presence on Saturday!

I forgot to mention that Dee very kindly gave me a copy of Tillie Olson's Tell Me A Riddle and Yonnondio - thanks Dee!

Also, my colleague Alison (who was also there) was very amused by the number of people hunting for me at the beginning. I think I was like a lost and found - as long as everyone identified the 20-something man, then they'd all find each other!

Haha!! I had heard about that from Alison!!

for those who don't know, Stuck in a Book and I work together - I am his boss on Tuesday mornings - haha!!

Hehehe ...
And thank you very much to Dee who gave me a modern Virago edition of Provincial Daughter by RM Dashwood.

I have scanned the short piece about where we can find the war in At Mrs Lippincote's spo as to share it more widely. As a word document I am wondering if it could go on our LT wiki page Laura?

Julie, I don't believe there's any way to attach files to the wiki but we could create a page and cut and paste the text from word to the page. I can do all that if you can email me the file ...

Catching up here. I have had internet problems for several days but a new router seems to have finally solved the problem.

Simon and Julie, you are very welcome. I am always happy to find a good home for homeless VMCs.

I would be very interested to see the piece on war at Mrs Lippencotes if it's not too technically complicated!

The Centenary Celebration book arrived and it is exquisite. It includes letters to Elizabeth Bowen, Virginia Woolf, essays and short stories such as "After Hours of Suffering" which, despite it's name made us all smile when Reeve read it, at last Saturday's event.

The next best thing to being there is to have generous friends who show and tell. Thank you all for giving the rest of us vicarious thrills!

Thank you Laura - will do.

Have just been to our library and suggested the aforementioned Elizabeth Taylor for acquisition.

Just caught up on this thread thanks to Dee's link. It looks like everyone had a great time and I'm very envious of all of you. I've only read two of ET's books but have quite fallen for her lovely prose. I'll be reading whatever the centenary has up next and need to catch up on the two that were read in January and February. Thanks for sharing.

I added a page to our Group Wiki with the document Julie mentioned (Where is the Second World War in At Mrs Lippincote's?). Look in the group reads section for reference to the Eliz Taylor Day ... and let me know if any changes are needed.

Thank you very much Laura - I hope people find the references interesting. When I read AML the war was on my mind and I thought I had missed something. I even checked the setting on a couple of occasions. Looking at the quotes I admire her writing even more.

Thank you very much, Laura and Julie. I really appreciate it and am now off to read it...

Lynne Hatwell, aka dovegreyreader, who was one of the speakers at the Elizabeth Taylor day has written a lovely blogpost about the day here.

>99 souloftherose:: thanks for posting that Heather ... I put it on FB this morning but didn't have time to get on LT.

It is so typically humble of Lynne - she is so gifted.

Can anybody who attended remember the title of the short story they read aloud on this day - about Taylor's son 'helping' her recover from surgery?

Yes, it's included in Neil Reeve's new book: Elizabeth Taylor: A Centenary Celebration and the story is called After Hours of Suffering.

Lovely, thanks Dee!