This poetry-writing masterclass with Alison Binney asks participants to think about the voices of women from the past. What are they saying? Why are they saying it? How are they saying it? What are others saying about them? How might their voices speak to our lives today?

The poems in Women of our Ilk, Alison’s work in progress, are inspired by historical evidence from a range of sources: court reports, monuments, handbills, photographs, graffiti etched on a window. In this masterclass she’ll share early drafts and final versions of poems that have been created in this way, showing how in each of which Alison uses historical artefacts to try to listen carefully to the voices of women from the past.

Alison will then provide a range of historical artefacts for participants to work with during the workshop, encouraging people to listen to what these artefacts might be whispering to them, and to use some of the approaches demonstrated – creating found poetry, writing ekphrastic poetry, echoing aspects of poetic form – to craft their own poems inspired by historical sources. At least some of the historical artefacts available will come from the collections right here at Gladstone’s Library, lending an even greater sense of immediacy and grounding to the day’s exploration and writing.

The day will finish with an opportunity for participants to share and workshop new poems.

Tickets will be released when Gladstone’s Library’s 2026 programme goes live.

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Please note, tickets cannot be refunded or used for another event if ticketholders are unable to attend. All ticket purchases support us to care for the Library building and the collections it holds. As a charity, Gladstone’s Library receives no government funding, so all purchases, Gift Aid and donations, are deeply appreciated.

Please note that tickets for this event are e-tickets. Book online and have your ticket emailed directly to you.

A print and collect service is available to those without access to email facilities for a small charge to cover our admin costs. Call 01244 532350 or email enquiries@gladlib.org for more information. Printed tickets will be available to collect from Reception before the event.