Spirit of Birkenhead Institute

WILFRED OWEN AND THE SPIRIT OF BIRKENHEAD INSTITUTE

The imposing facade of the Birkenhead Institute was one of the most iconic to rise in the town during the Edwardian period. The embryonic talents of the young Wilfred Owen were nurtured there. Through its dark panelled corridors patrolled the stern form masters and eager prefects. Renowned for its sports, science and arts, it shaped the character of its pupils into outstanding ambassadors of a bygone age.

The original school was demolished in the 1980s but its proud edifice was preserved by one of its most timehonoured veterans. Art master David S W Jones created dozens of meticulous line drawings of his beloved Birkenhead Institute and these capture the true sense of time and place of the school’s fabled past.

At the Wilfred Owen Story and Gallery the public can view the most complete exhibition of these remarkable works that also depict other familiar Wirral landmarks. To coincide with this historic portfolio will be the unveiling of a specially commissioned ceramic replica of the Birkenhead Institute, created by Janet Holmes.

Taking her inspiration from David Jones' original sketches she has magically recaptured the spirit of the Birkenhead Institute; the cradle of Wilfred Owen’s genius.

Wilfred Owen Story and Gallery

34 Argyle Street 

Birkenhead 

Wirral

CH41 6AE

Tuesday 14^th June 2011 to Saturday 16^th July 2011

Tuesday – Friday 11.00am – 2.00pm

For Saturday opening please phone 07539371925 or visit www.wilfredowenstory.com