Conference

Armenian Heritage at our Doorstep Exploring UK Collections - The Gladstone Library, Hawarden

Armenian Institute

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20 juin 2026 2:00 PM

Gladstone Library
Church Lane Deeside, Wales CH5

Wales - United Kingdom

Come join the Armenian Institute community for a restorative day in the Welsh countryside. Tucked in Hawarden village, you will find yourself immersed in heritage and culture within a remarkable neo-Gothic building dating from the turn of the 20th century– beautiful Gladstone’s Library.

Founded by former Prime Minister William Gladstone, the Library is a unique residential retreat dedicated to theology and spirituality, history, current affairs, and literature, both classical and contemporary. With its iconic reading rooms, peaceful gardens, chapel, cosy guest lounge, bar, restaurant and simple but characterful bedrooms, it offers the perfect setting for a thoughtful break.

This special event offers a rare opportunity to explore treasures from Gladstone’s personal connections with the Armenian people. The Library holds remarkable artefacts gifted to him, including a 16th-century illuminated New Testament, a chalice, and a striking Armenian church window, all of which you will discover during a private guided tour and curated exhibition viewing.

This event forms part of a new series dedicated to exploring Armenian manuscripts and material heritage in lesser-known UK collections. The Armenian Institute is pleased to hold this unique weekend field trip at the Gladstone Library in North Wales.

This event series honours the memory of the late Ruth Keshishian, a lover of books, archives, researchers, and intellectual life, and dear friend and supporter of the Armenian Institute.

Saturday 20 June 2026

Plan to arrive in good time before the start of the programme, to leave your bags at reception.

2pm – Welcome drinks and introductory talk

By the Library’s Warden and Director, Revd Dr Andrea Russell, in the Gladstone Room.

2:30pm – Talks by the Reading Rooms team

Insights from the Reading Rooms team in the Gladstone Room.

3pm – Check in to rooms

Tea and coffee will be served during this break.

4pm – Private guided tour

Tour of the Library and exhibition/collections viewing in the Glynne Room. Discover the historic building and its fascinating collections, and view Armenian artefacts up close.

5pm – Visit to nearby St Deiniol’s Church

Home to the Armenian window and chalice.

Ticket (2–6:30pm)

🎟️ £50, includes talks, guided tours and refreshments on Sat. 20 June.

Not included in the ticket price:

Train travel (A direct train ride from London Euston, or elsewhere, to Chester railway station. Please write if you need help arranging travel.)

Taxi transfers

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