Writing and Incubation: an introduction to Peter Redgrove’s poetry and working method

Peter Redgrove (1932-2003) is one of the least appreciated of the great generation of British poets who emerged in the 1950s. He is also one of the most prolific and consistent. His work could be described as ‘visionary’ if that word didn’t have other-worldly associations. He had a scientific education but believed that scientific orthodoxy was too narrow, in the manner of Blake’s ‘single vision’. His theme was a transformed vision of the world that was at the same time an affirmation of neglected human powers.

His remarkable productiveness was partly owing to a distinctive working method akin to ‘sealed writing’, which he called ‘work and incubation’. A poem would typically begin with a ‘germ’, often a floating phrase, which he would note down but not return to for some time. The poem would develop in stages, always allowing this period of incubation between stages.

In this workshop we will look at some of Redgrove’s best poems, and also trace the development of one of them from ‘germ’ to final draft, using material from his archive in Sheffield University Library. 

About Neil Roberts

Neil Roberts taught English Literature at Sheffield University for 38 years and has written numerous books and articles on nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature, including two books on Peter Redgrove: a critical study, The Lover, the Dreamer and the World and a biography, A Lucid Dreamer. He has also edited collections of Redgrove’s poetry and prose.

Zoom

These workshops will be conducted via Zoom. We have put together this simple 'How To' document to help you download Zoom, join a meeting, and navigate around the meeting features (such as adjusting video and audio, uploading files, and sharing screens).

You will receive a confirmation email from Ticket Tailor with your ticket and the Zoom invitation, containing the meeting link and Meeting ID & Password.

Someone from The Poetry Business team will be on hand prior to each workshop to offer additional help in getting connected.

There is usually a lot of interest in our workshops: in the interest of fairness, please limit yourself to one workshop ticket in every two week period.

Bursary Spaces

There are two bursary spaces available per workshop for writers from groups that are under-represented in contemporary poetry (for instance because of ethnic background) or who are experiencing financial hardship. If you would like to apply for one of these bursary places, please contact workshops@poetrybusiness.co.uk

Refunds

If you no longer wish to attend the workshop please let us know by emailing us. We ask for 3 working days' notice before the workshop starts in order to offer a full refund, and enable us to offer the place to someone else.

Though we will do all we can to help you get set up with the technology it is the participants' responsibility to ensure that their camera, microphone and other computer settings are configured correctly. Please contact us (workshops@poetrybusiness.co.uk) if you are concerned about getting set up for Zoom.