Scholars from across the region will gather at the University of Bristol this Friday [29 October] to discuss interdisciplinary approaches to Romantic period culture at the first South West Interdisciplinary Romanticism Link (SWIRL) symposium.

Researchers from departments of English, French, German, History, Music, Philosophy and History of Art at many of the region’s key universities, including Southampton, Exeter, Swansea, Cardiff and UWE, will come together to discuss their work.

SWIRL has three aims: to strengthen a network of scholars working on different aspects of the period 1750-1850, to facilitate debate across the disciplines, and to generate interest in Romantic studies in the region.  This new initiative provides a forum in which academics from the South West and beyond can explore the intellectual and professional challenges that currently energise the field of Romantic studies.

The idea for SWIRL grew out of two convictions.  Firstly, that there was no contradiction between forging strong links within the region and pursuing research of international standing.  And secondly, that many scholars in this period felt impelled toward interdisciplinary work, but lacked some of the practical arrangements to make that work productive.  SWIRL brings together scholars from several disciplines and several universities, enabling them to see what their research has in common and how we can benefit from closer links.

Instead of following a standard conference format, it was decided to invite people from around the region to a symposium where they could share their research.  There will be three round table discussions, followed by a chance to discuss how SWIRL might develop in the future.  The event will be held in the beautiful surroundings of The Holmes, a listed building dating from 1879, where the American General Staff met during World War II.