The launch of the Dylan Thomas in Fitzrovia festival saw The Building Centre packed out with friends and famous faces.
The evening marked the start of the festival, to celebrate the centenary of Dylan Thomas' birth and his deep connection to this part of London. As part of the celebrations, The Building Centre examines the space Thomas and other writers depend on to create their work with the launch of 'A Shed of One's Own'.
Griff Rhys Jones led the evening celebrations followed by poetry readings and speeches from Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the Independent newspaper group, Owen Teale of Games of Thrones fame and Lewis Blackwell of The Building Centre. Alan Rickman and Ian Hislop made a surprise appearance and music from the Welsh London Rugby Mens Choir filled the building.
The star of the festival is an exact replica of the Dylan Thomas' writing shed which is outside The Building Centre until 26 October. The shed - complete with curled pictures on the walls, boiled sweets on the desk and the poet’s jacket still hanging on the back of his chair – is taking part in an explosion of festivities organised by Welsh star Griff Rhys Jones.
A Shed of One’s Own is a photographic exploration of unique sheds with architectural significance and literary connections. From award-winning sheds in Hackney to weathered bothies in the highlands, this exhibition explores the importance of space - for creativity and inspiration - as part of the Dylan Thomas in Fitzrovia Festival. Until end November.
With thanks to The Fitzrovia Partnership and Goodman Jones
See the full list of events for the Dylan Thomas in Fitzrovia at www.dylanthomasfitzrovia.com
All images © Greg Fonne www.g-fonne.com
