Watching Big Brother

To mark the centenary of George Orwell's birth, an exhibition on his life and works, 'Orwell Observed', is being held from 5 November 2003.

Held in conjunction with UCL at the Newsroom: Guardian and Observer archive & visitor centre, it draws on many items from the Orwell Archive in UCL's Library Special Collections.

UCL's archive is the most comprehensive body of research material relating to Orwell anywhere in the world, and UCL is considered as the international centre for studies on the author. Manuscripts, notebooks and personal material were presented to UCL in 1960 by his widow on behalf of the George Orwell Archive Trust. The archive brings together all of Orwell's printed works, including newspaper items, private correspondence, private papers and printed material and tape recordings related to the author.

Orwell worked for the Observer in journalistic, literary and advisory capacities, and cited the Guardian as the single credible voice among English newspapers during the Spanish Civil War, in which he fought. 'Orwell Observed' will be a celebration and reflection on the man and his work.

'Orwell Observed' runs 5 November-9 January 2004. A series of seminars will take place on 11, 18 and 25 November at 7pm at the Newsroom and a week of Orwell-related educational workshops commences on 10 November 2003. The animated Animal Farm will also be screened on four consecutive Saturdays at 2pm, from 22 November.

Image: Extract from the original manuscript of Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.

To find out more about the archive or the exhibition use the links below.

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Links:
UCL's George Orwell Archive
'Orwell Observed' at the newsroom