Books on Tyne | The Jack Common Archive at Newcastle University
Events List
- Books on Tyne | The Jack Common Archive at Newcastle University
Image Credit | JC-4-6, Common (Jack) Archive, Newcastle University Special Collections, GB 186. | Image provided by promoter
Friday 26th November | 6pm
The Jack Common Archive at Newcastle University
Join rare book dealer and actor Neil Pearson, and freelance historical researcher Peter Mitchell for a conversation exploring a remarkable new addition to Newcastle University Special Collections & Archives: a newly acquired accrual to the Jack Common Archive. The collection comprises reader reports written by the Newcastle-born author for the Associated British Picture Corporation
based at Elstree Studios between 1955 and 1968.
As one of the Reading Department’s most prolific contributors, Common assessed novels, works of non fiction and screenplays, producing reports that helped determine their potential for adaptation to the screen. The Reading Department played a key role in identifying projects for development, offering a unique insight into the creative and commercial processes of the British film industry.
Neil Pearson and Peter Mitchell will discuss the significance of these newly acquired papers, what they reveal about Common’s career beyond his published work, and how this archive enriches our understanding of post war British cinema and literary culture.
For the 14th year, Newcastle Libraries and the Lit & Phil have come together to present Books on Tyne 2026. Offering a wide range of events in many subject areas, from the history of the World Cup and Newcastle Prison, to growing up alongside 1970s rock stars and the tragedy of Sycamore Gap, our festival continues to celebrate the written word. We hope you will find something for you to enjoy in our programme.
A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | £5
(If you would prefer to book directly over the phone, please call the Library Desk team on 0191 232 0192 and they will be happy to help)
