What a wonderful evening it was on the 29th May this year when I attended the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate A. J. Cronin! It was unveiled by his biographer, Alan Davies, in Dumbarton Library where Cronin did the research for his first novel, "Hatter's Castle".
Dumbarton Library
Afterwards, Alan Davies gave a really excellent talk to a crowded room full of interested members of the public, and then answered questions for quite a while. If anyone reading this has even the slightest interest in Cronin, then please read Alan's recent book, "A J Cronin: The Man Who Created Dr Finlay’," as it really is a wealth of fascinating information and the only one of its kind.
Although Cronin was born in Cardross, he retained a life-long affection for Dumbarton. He once said, “Although I have travelled the world over I must say in all sincerity that my heart belongs to Dumbarton”.
Cronin's biographer, Alan Davies, is in the middle. Gill Graham, the section head of
West Dunbartonshire Libraries and Museums, is on the left.
(I'm sorry I don't know the name of the gentleman on the right)
My husband, Geoffrey, standing beside a portrait of Cronin by Stephen Conroy
I am so delighted that this has happened at last and hope that other plaques may follow, especially in Cardross itself of course.
You can read a short excerpt here
This news video clip from last year is very interesting (you can also hear Alan Davies speaking) - click here
2 comments:
Nice to see your blog! I am the photographer who took the pics at Dumbarton Library. The gentleman whose name who don't know is Allan Gordon, Learning Support Librarian. Best wishes, Joe Porter
Thank you so much Joe and I apologise that I only saw your comment for the first time today!!
Best wishes, Jane
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