The Library and Learning Resources department at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has launched a new special collections exhibition both on campus and online to kick start the University’s bicentenary celebrations.
Bishop Thomas Burgess and his vision for a Welsh College
The bicentenary commemorates the establishment of St David’s College, Lampeter on 12 August 1822 through the laying the foundation stone which marks the beginning of higher education in Wales. From the seeds sown in Lampeter over two centuries ago and the development of our campuses, we have grown into a multi-campus, dual-sector University providing vocationally relevant programmes in partnership with employers.
The exhibition ‘Bishop Thomas Burgess and his vision for a Welsh College’ looks back at Bishop Burgess’s vision to create a higher education institution in west Wales. He established St David’s College, Lampeter to provide local Welsh-speaking men who wanted to join the priesthood an education.
The first half of the exhibition describes Burgess’ vision for a college in West Wales and how for over twenty years Bishop Burgess was committed to the vision. The archives hold a large number of letters and documents that reveal the tremendous work he undertook to achieve the vision.
The second half of the exhibition talks about Bishop Burgess’ own sizeable collection of books which he bequeathed to Lampeter. The collection includes a magnificent 1279 manuscript of the Vulgate, and a copy of The Golden Legend, describing the lives of saints, printed by Williams Caxton’s successor Wynkyn de Worde.
Alison Harding, Executive Head of Library and Learning Resources said: “I’d like to welcome everyone to our first Special Collections and Archives exhibition of 2022. Bishop Thomas Burgess was committed in his vision to create a higher education institution in west Wales, so it is fitting that we celebrate here the life and work of Bishop Burgess as the university enters its bicentenary year.
“The University Archives hold a large number of letters and documents which reveal the tremendous work he undertook to achieve this vision. They tell a story of a man dedicated to his role as Bishop of St David’s, who was also committed to the provision of educational opportunities in his diocese. Through this exhibition we can be inspired by this remarkable individual and be motivated to continue to build on his legacy to transform education and transform lives.”
The exhibition will be on show from January 4th until the end of the month at the Lampeter campus Library, and in the Fforwm Library on the Swansea Waterfront campus. The exhibition also will be available to view online too.