We ask an award-winning writer and journalist the story behind his literary salons and how it came to be
Literary salons have successfully offered spaces for the finest (male) minds of the time to gather and revel in intellect and creativity since the 18th century. Charismatic individuals were noted for the hosting of these soirées, and the various debates and great conversation engendered.
These salons soon became outlets for the showcasing of talent. There were vast discussions on writing and literature. They inspired grand ideas that often went on to change the course of artistic history.
Damian Barr is a man of many talents, the most unusual of which is being a salonniére. He hosted the first of what became known as Damian Barr’s Literary Salon in October 2008, in the Snug at Shoreditch House- a room that does not exist any longer. There were about 50-60 people in attendance.
In fact, all of the venues chosen henceforth have been named ‘storied venues’. For instance The Savoy, London: where Oscar Wilde ‘feasted with the panthers’ (what he termed his affairs with lower-class rough trade) and where Sir Noel Coward held court. It has unofficially become The Literary Salon’s UK home.
Damian says that they specifically want to get out of bookshops and libraries as they want to be very social and have drinks with a chat.
Amongst the numerous salons that have been held since, quite a few have been attended by some of the world’s established writers including English novelist Louis de Bernières and winner of the Orange Award Naomi Alderman.
Writer and salonnière Damian Barr
Photo Credits: theliterarysalon.co.uk
Emerging artists are also invited to read from their latest works and discuss their thoughts and ideas on a subject. At least one UK or International writer is included in each salon, a few examples are David Nicholls (author of One Day) and Jojo Moyes (author of Me Before You).
Initially, Damian chose books that he loved to be the centre of discourse for his salons. “Generally, I find I get on well with the author if I get on well with their books; but that doesn’t always follow.” he says. Diversity is upheld as an important value, “So many literature line-ups are pale and male and from a certain class. I see it as my duty to promote talent and diversity,” says Damian.
The salons are held intermittently through the year, but make sure to host at least one a month wherever they may be. With the support of the British Council, they have toured Moscow, New York, Sydney and Berlin; to name a few.
It was founded with the intent of creating events that are as much about the stories behind the author, their muses and histories and experiences, as they are about his published works.
I want to inspire everyone to share their story. I also wanted to create something fun ad a bit irreverent. Since we have no green room, the authors and audience mix and mingle; you might end up peeing next to Am Homes or Armistead Maupin!” Damian says.
To attend Damian Barr’s Literary Salon, log onto his website.
