13th July Victor Neuberg and the Vine Press

Victor Neuberg and the Vine Press

A talk by Caroline Neuberg

13th July, 7.30pm. £5

Victor Neuberg is famous today, to those who know him at all, for his association with the occultist Aleister Crowley and for being the first person to publish Dylan Thomas. His life was, of course, far wider and much more interesting than even those two headlines would suggest. After his association with Crowley ended badly, and after the First World War had ended, Neuberg settled in Vine Cottage in Steyning in West Sussex where he set up a small private press producing limited editions on a hand-press and using naive woodcut illustrations. Along with the other small presses of the early 20th century, books from the Vine Press are now much sought after. He was at the centre of an extraordinary literary group and, despite being a poet himself, he was known as one of those figures who generously put their energies into supporting others. Many literary voices of the 20s and 30s owed a debt to his help and encouragement. ]

Caroline Neuberg is Victor’s granddaughter and has spent the best part of 40 years researching his life and work. We are delighted to have her with us for a talk which also acts as the opening of a two-week pop-up exhibition of material from the press: letters, books, woodblock prints, photos and other items will be on display in the shop. This focus on Victor will be rounded off by honouring his own poetry in our regular Dead Poets Salon later in the month.

Seats are limited, please let us know if you are coming.