Edwin Morgan Archive opens at the Scottish Poetry Library

Published on Monday 27 April 2009 09:55

AN archive of the works of Scotland's national poet Edwin Morgan was being officially opened at the Scottish Poetry Library off the Royal Mile today.

The collection includes rare books and pamphlets, as well as Morgan's old typewriter and a bottle of absinthe. And the poet himself was due to celebrate his 89th birthday by attending the event.

The Edwin Morgan Archive is funded by a 50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with support from other trusts.

The collection was accrued by Morgan's friend, publisher and bibliographer Hamish Whyte over a 30-year period. The items are housed in a basement conversion within the Scottish Poetry Library in Crichton's Close.

Culture Minister Mike Russell, who was also attending the opening, said: "This is a moving, exciting and very accessible way to celebrate the work of a truly national poet. The specially created space pays tribute to the range of his work, and most importantly puts that work on display for future generations."

The items can be seen in an exhibition at the library from today until July 11.