World of Ice
DISPLAY
World of Ice
18 - 22 October 2019
FREE
World of Ice
A small display of items from the Bodleian’s collection used by composer Ross S. Griffey in World of Ice, his new song cycle about nineteenth-century Arctic exploration. As the wealth of contemporary publications on the subject suggests, the North Pole—remote, alien, seemingly unattainable—captured the Victorian imagination. Polar explorers were frequent subjects in popular magazines, and many produced their own accounts of their adventures as well.
These documents reveal the dangers of Arctic life, from loneliness to frostbite, but also the unexpected delights: shipboard theatre and ice games helped boost morale.
This display accompanies Ross S.Griffey’s talk for the Oxford Lieder Festival.
Location
The Transept, Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
Wheelchair access
The Weston Library is wheelchair accessible.
Admission
Free admission
Other events and exhibitions
Oxford Lieder Fesitval: Ross Griffey
21 October 2019
Ahead of the premiere of his new work this evening, composer Ross Griffey talks about his experiences as an Albi Rosenthal Visiting Fellow at the Bodleian Libraries and the inspirations behind his songs of winter journeying and Arctic exploration, in particular the John Johnson Collection of Printed Ephemera.
There will also be a performance of Ross Griffey’s composition ‘World of Ice’ at 8pm at St John the Evangelist.
Other opportunities
Learning opportunities
We offer courses, workshops, lectures and special events that aim to inspire learners of all ages by making direct contact with our historic collections of manuscripts, maps, rare books and archives.
Visit our spaces
There are a range of historic spaces to visit across the Bodleian Libraries, from the historic Old Bodleian Library to the magnificent Georgian Radcliffe Camera and the modern Weston Library.
Events for families
The Bodleian Libraries hold regular events, workshops and community events that are open to all the family. Visit our events and exhibitions pages for more information.
