The books were donated to the artist from all around the world
A visual exhibition consisting solely of 1,984 copies of George Orwell’s iconic novel 1984 is to go on display at the University of Glasgow.
The Winston Smith Library of Victory & Truth - named after Orwell’s main character who questions the oppressive regime in the novel - aims to highlight polarised politics and cultural intolerances.
The exhibition, by artist Hans K Clausen, was originally launched on the Isle of Jura - where Orwell wrote the dystopian work - on the 75th anniversary of its UK publication in June 2024, celebrating the power and longevity of Orwell’s writing and cultural impact. Since then, the exhibition has toured the UK, visiting locations of significance to Orwell.
The exhibition is being hosted at the University of Glasgow by POLART, a research project that explores the interactions between art and policy as ways of producing knowledge and social change.
Professor Sotiria Grek, who is leading the programme for POLART, said: “We are delighted to be able to host the Winston Smith Library of Victory & Truth exhibition here at the University of Glasgow.
“Procuring the exhibition inspired us to create ‘Re-ARTiculating Policy’, featuring events that are intended to start a conversation and invite academics, art practitioners, policy makers and the public to engage with key questions that focus on the complementarities and tensions underpinning the relationship of the arts with public policy.
“Together, these events will ask how art can create spaces for dialogue, challenge established ways of thinking and contribute to important conversations about the complex policy problems that shape the world and our future.”
She added: “The Library represents much more than an opportunity to grapple with Orwell’s dystopian vision and its relevance for today. As we hope many of you will experience when you visit Clausen’s ‘Library’, it is the material aspects of the books – the books as artefacts – that truly capture the imagination.
“The Library bears no resemblance to the fantasy of libraries as complete, old, dusty collections of authoritative knowledge that proclaim the ‘truth’.”
Mr Clausen said: “In a world of increasingly polarised politics and cultural intolerances, The Winston Smith Library of Victory and Truth takes 1,984 copies of George Orwell’s novel to build a forum for reflection, conversation, creative thinking and collective questioning.
“Seventy- seven years after its publication, Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four remains a relevant, haunting and powerful tool with which to examine the choices we have, the policies we make, and the societies we wish to build.”
At the exhibition’s opening event on 5 November, Glasgow-based artist Frank To will donate a customised copy of 1984 in his unique gunpowder style to the library. To is renowned for his innovative technique of using ignited gunpowder and explosives to scorch paper and metallic plates.
Scottish Policy and Research Exchange is to hold a creative workshop exploring the potential of art to inform policy during the exhibition.
The Winston Smith Library of Victory & Truth is at the university’s Advanced Research Centre from 2 to 20 November.