Celebrating a Literary Legacy: Brian Aldiss Centenary Event

West Buckland School recently hosted a special evening to celebrate the centenary of renowned science fiction writer and alumnus, Brian Aldiss OBE.  Held on 30th June, the event was coordinated by Christine Hamilton, Head of Academic Aspiration, and supported by the Old West Buckland Association (OWBA).  It brought together alumni, students, parents, and staff for an inspiring programme honouring Aldiss’s legacy and exploring his ongoing influence.

Remembering a Great West Buckland School Alumni 

The evening opened with a warm welcome and reflections from Berwick Coates, West Buckland School Archivist, who painted a vivid picture of Aldiss’s school days and early influences. His talk offered fascinating historical context and personal anecdotes that brought the past to life.

A Family Tribute

Tim Aldiss, Brian’s son, gave a heartfelt tribute to his father, sharing personal memories alongside highlights from a remarkable literary career.  From international awards to groundbreaking works of fiction, it was a moving reminder of Aldiss’s lasting impact on the world of literature.

Aldiss and the Future

The second half of the evening turned toward the future.  Academic Prefects delivered an engaging presentation on Supertoys Last All Summer Long, the short story that inspired the film AI: Artificial Intelligence.  Their thoughtful analysis explored the relevance of Aldiss’s ideas in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

AI and the Human Imagination

To close the event, Micheline Lauzon, an AI researcher and entrepreneur whose global career spans Canada, the Middle East, and the UK, delivered a compelling keynote.  Her talk, The Rise of AI, explored the ethical and transformative potential of artificial intelligence, leaving the audience both informed and inspired.

This memorable evening was a fitting tribute to Brian Aldiss - celebrating not only his literary achievements, but also the imagination and curiosity he inspired in generations to come.