Updating the British Connection: Or The Belated Return Of The Mayflower Or Just Going Back After All These Years

Abstract

Updating the British Connection Or The Belated Return OfThe Mayflower Or Just Going Back After All These Years The rather exuberant Fourth-of-July fireworks in the above headlines were set off by more detailed information, recently received, about The American Festival to be held, or presented, in Britain the last three weeks of May 1985 with showings in London—Cardiff—Glasgow. As the advanced literature of the plans and programs announces The American Festival "is the first major celebration of American Arts and entertainments ever held in the U.K." The whole thing seems to aim at a tremendous ovation, but one aspect of it, to be explained later, is ofparticular interest to natives of the Appalachian region. Here are some quotes from an early announcement: THE AMERICAN *.** FESTIVAL ^** i MAY85 The American Festival is the first major celebration of American arts and entertainments ever held in the U.K. For the month of May 1985, the cities of London, Cardiff and Glasgow will play host to a broad and spectacular programme of American music, dance, theatre, film, exhibitions and special events. The Festival will present not only some of America's internationally renowned artists but will also feature aspects of the rich folk traditions many of which are virtually unknown in Great Britain. H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has graciously consented to serve as Patron of the Festival. Lord Harlech, former Ambassador to the United States, is the Festival Chairman; and Sir Ian Hunter is the Festival 4 Director. The Festival is being organised jointly by the British American Arts Association and Harold Holt Limited. Much of The American Festival is being funded by the British-American business community. The Festival is presented by its major sponsor Endless Holdings Limited, individual events are attracting other major sponsors and more than 30 corporations have become Festival Founders by making a valuable financial contribution. Many American participants had been confirmed at the time of this announcement , but the "full programme details" will be completed toward the end of 1984. Now to the Appalachian-British connection. The Appalachian Center at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, has been invited to participate in The American Festival with an exhibit of Arts and Crafts of the Appalachian Mountains. Note that "arts" has been included in the title. Two letters involved in this transaction are ofinterest and are reproduced here. At this time full details of what will be included in the Appalachian exhibit are not available, but early plans and suggestions included the following (for crafts): 1. Woodwork: chairs, dough trays, dulcimers, fretless banjos. 2. Basket work and brushes. 3. Pottery. 4. Wrought iron: door furniture, tools, etc. 5. Textiles: weaving, patchwork, quilting. 6. Photographs of the region and craftsmen at work—e.g. photographs by Doris Ulmann and James Lee Auchincloss. It was also proposed that lecturers and craftsmen should visit Britain "whilst" the exhibit is on show to talk about the region or demonstrate their skills. Since "art" was included on second thought, it can be surmised only as to what will be included: paintings, drawings, sculpture, etc. There are also plans for the exhibit to tour Europe. There is a wealth of material in all areas. The major difficulty will be the selection process. A very interesting feature, especially for those living in Knott County, Kentucky, where this magazine is put together, is that native artist Brett Johnson is working closely with the Appalachian Center on this exhibit and his painting HigMand Fiddler reproduced on the front cover of this issue will be the image for the posters announcing the exhibit of Arts and Crafts of the Appalachian Mountains. ("Brett Johnson and Appalachian Life" was a feature in Appalachian Heritage, Summer 1975.) 5 The John Judkyn Memorial Freshford Manor Bath BA3 6EF Tel: Limpie/ Stoke (022 122) JJ 12 17 August 1984 Director : Janus E. Ayres Robert Morris Dills Esq Coordinator The Appalachian Center University of Kentucky 641 South Limestone Lexington Kentucky 40506 Dear Mr Dills Exhibition: The Crafts of the Appalachian Mountains Following our conversation on the telephone yesterday, I enclose the notes that I produced in anticipation of receiving your call. I think you cleared up...