The collection of one of the most distinguished, creative and controversial scientists of the 20th Century, Sir Fred Hoyle, will open to the public for the first time during ‘Hoyle Day’ at St John’s College.
The collection of one of the most distinguished, creative and controversial scientists of the 20th Century, Sir Fred Hoyle, will open to the public for the first time during ‘Hoyle Day’ at St John’s College.
On Saturday 8 November, visitors to St John’s seventeenth-century library will be able to view an exhibition of items from the Hoyle collection illustrating his interests, achievements, and personality.
The day includes guided tours of the seventeenth-century Old library and a talk by Dr Carolin Crawford, Institute of Astronomy, about the life and work of Fred Hoyle.
Included in the exhibition are materials from his childhood, his work for the admiralty during the Second World War, investigations on the origin of chemical elements and his controversial work on the Steady State theory and continuous creation with Hermann Bondi and Tommy Gold.
Hoyle’s work as a populariser of science is also covered; including his popular and influential radio broadcasts The Nature of the Universe, as well as drafts and editions of his successful science fiction novels such as A for Andromeda and The Black Cloud.
Beyond his work the collection also shows the private man, with material reflecting his great love of climbing and chess.
The Hoyle collection was established in 2002 when Lady Barbara Hoyle, Sir Fred’s widow, donated his library, artefacts, photographs and papers to St John’s College Library. The collection holds 680 printed books, 152 archive boxes, 22 cans of film, and around 30 artefacts.
The Sir Fred Hoyle Project is funded by grants from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund , and from the Friends of the Centre for the History of Physics, American Institute of Physics.
‘Hoyle Day’ is open to all and entrance is free. Booking is not essential, but if you are interested in attending the talk or one of the tours contact Katie Birkwood, Hoyle Project Associate (01223 339 362).
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