CELEBRATING TOM STOPPARD'S PRESIDENCY IN STYLE

London Library 13The London Library Summer Party, held on 22nd June, was a fitting occasion to celebrate Tom Stoppard's 15 years as President of the Library. Guests joined forces in the Reading Room to hear Vanessa Redgrave, Sheila Hancock, Jeremy Irons, Natascha McElhone and Joely Richardson deliver a range of readings, including works byTS Eliot, Stephen Spender and AG Madonell among others*.

London Library 119The Library's Chairman, Howard Davies, and former Chairman Bill Emmott were on hand to thank Tom for the outstanding and tireless contribution he has made over the last 15 years to support and develop the Library.

Tom, who has been a Library member since 1970, will retire as President on his 80th birthday on 3rd July 2017 and will then take up the role as one of the Library's Vice-Presidents.

Tom Stoppard BookA unique book entitled "For Tom, With Thanks" has been produced as a token of the Library's appreciation. Consisting of works suggested by, and in many cases, written by, members, friends and staff of the Library, it is a Library book specially made for a much-admired supporter.

  

The Readings

London Library 70Jeremy Irons

From "East Coker", by TS Eliot

From "Little Gidding" by TS Eliot

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Natascha McElhone

From "England, oh England" by AG Madonell

From the "Diary of Nina Kosterina"

London Library 82Vanessa Redgrave

"TheTruly Great" by Stephen Spender

 

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Sheila Hancock

From "A Ragged Schooling; Growing up in a Classic Slum", by Robert Roberts

 

London Library 96Joely Richardson

From "Long Distance Runner" by Tony Richardson