Charles Darwin: From Shrewsbury Schoolboy to International Scientific Super Star
A reflection on Charles Darwin: Illustrated by a selection of Charles Darwin’s personal letters and other items at Shrewsbury School
This fascinating public lecture will be presented by Shrewsbury School’s Dr Robin Brooke-Smith – (Taylor Librarian Emeritus) and Naomi Nicholas (Archivist & Head of Special Collections).
About this lecture:
The aim of the lecture is to uncover something of the life, character and achievements of Charles Darwin. The Shrewsbury School Archives holds a fascinating collection of letters, papers, books and artefacts of our distinguished former pupil. Through some of these items the talk will tease out a picture of Darwin, man and boy, and finally to assess his stature and achievement since the publication of the Origin of Species in 1859.
Some important questions arise as we approach Charles Darwin and try to make sense of the man; the most outstanding are, ‘How did an apparently non-academic ‘duffer’ come to write one of the great scientific works of the age?’ – Also ‘What is Darwin’s stature today amid the ongoing controversies that rage around his ideas’, and how has Darwin affected our culture - scientific, religious, artistic and political.
*Please note that visitors attending the lecture in the Moser Library at 11:00AM – should first report to Reception on arrival 10:30-45 AM - Ashton Road entrance, SY3 7BA
BOOKING
Places for this popular event will be limited and available by the School's Ticket Source. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Dr Robin Brooke-Smith - Biography
Dr Brooke-Smith (Taylor Librarian Emeritus) has devoted his career to high quality education both in the UK and internationally. Since 2014 he has held the position of Taylor Librarian and Archivist at Shrewsbury School - and now as Taylor Librarian Emeritus. The Taylor Library (Est. 1598) is a world renowned collection of rare books and manuscripts, which includes important archival collections such as the letters and papers of Charles Darwin, a former pupil of Shrewsbury School.
He has held the distinguished senior posts of Principal of the University of Toronto Schools (2001-04), Principal of Edwardes College, University of Peshawar, Pakistan (1995-2000), Director of Consultancy Services at the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth at the University of Warwick (2005-07), and Assistant Director of the British Council in Tanzania (1978-80).
His Published Books include: Storm Warning: Riding the Cross-winds in the Pakistan Afghan Borderlands, The Radcliffe Press, London, 2012; Leading Learners, Leading Schools (Routledge, London and New York, 2003); The Scramble for Africa, McMillan, London, 1987.