by Ellen Turner Hall

Tuesday 20 March at 15h00 the new Médiathèque “Antonio Machado” will open its doors to the public.

While exploring the light-filled rooms, you are invited to browse the new and expanded collection of books, DVDs and CDs for every age and taste. The “atelier”, surrounded by walls of art books, offers the ideal place to try your own hand at drawing and painting.

The second floor houses two exhibition spaces, dedicated to two writers who sought refuge and found welcome in Collioure. The Spanish poet Antonio Machado, fleeing the repression of Franco’s Spain, died in Collioure only days after his arrival in February 1939.

His tomb has become a place of pilgrimage. The Foundation Antonio Machado’s installation of information panels and documents honours the memory of this great poet and humanist.

Patrick O’Brian, the author of “Master and Commander” and the 21-book Aubrey-Maturin series of sea adventures during the Napoleonic wars, arrived in Collioure in 1949, seeking a quiet place to write. He made the village his home for the last 51 years of his life, during which he produced his major works.

On display is a reconstruction of his writing space, complete with his desk, books and mementos, lent by the association Les Amis de Patrick O’Brian. (Watch this space for news about the Patrick O’Brian walking tour.)

Everyone is welcome!

The médiathèque is in the centre of the village at the end of the market place.

Opening hours: Tuesday and Friday: 15h -18h, Wednesday: 10h -12h/15h -18h, and Saturday 10h -13h.

Leave a Comment