'Pauline Kuczynski - the second Mrs Hawker' A talk by Richard Wellby RIBA, M Phil, MA Conservation.
A rehabilitation of her reputation based on Jill Wellby's collection of Hawkerania and Pauline's own letters.
Presented by: Bude Literary Festival (Patron: Raynor Winn: 'The Salt Path')| 0 | BUDE: Castle (The Willoughby Gallery) (info) |
|---|---|
| P | Friday 16th May, 2025 |
| N | Door time: 10:00am Start time: 10:30am |
| . | All ages |
| C | Literature |
Event information
2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the death of the famous priest, poet, antiquarian and eccentric, R.S.Hawker of Morwenstow.
Richard Welby, who lived with his wife Jill for many years at Hawker's Vicarage, will talk about Hawker's second wife Pauline, 40 years his junior. The event will include a Q&A with the audience and an opportunity to inspect some of the first editions or Hawkers poetry and thought notes.
Further information:
Richard is now semi-retired following a substantial career in architecture. In 1986 he joined Metters
and Wellby in Bude after working overseas for 15 years in Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Rev. R. S. Hawker, vicar of Morwenstow, an ecclesiast and poet was the author of “Trelawney”,
Cornwall’s unofficial National Anthem and reintroduced the celebration of Harvest Festival into the
Church’s calendar.
In 1986 Jill and Richard Wellby purchased The Old Vicarage, Morwenstow, originally built by
Hawker in 1840s. This is a rare example of a documented use of architectural patten books,
specifically Hunts Designs for Parsonage Houses,1827.
Over the next 35 years, Jill Wellby collected an extensive and unique portfolio of Hawkeriana, which
includes:-
• First editions of his published works.
• Books from Hawkers’ library annotated in his handwriting.
• Original letters, including one from his second wife (Pauline), describing her first meeting
with him.
• Miscellaneous mementos including his seal, lock of hair, and a needle removed from his
daughter’s foot; objects, including a bottle of individually made purple ink, a chair (pictured
in photographs) and a clock.
• Associated publications; including his grandfathers’ biblical commentary, parish records and
church guides.
Since her death in 2023, Richard has been working to establish the extent of Jill’s archive.
Unreserved seating.
Book early for this rare and fascinating event.
Cafe Limelight open for drinks and snacks.
