You can now take part in a Ludwig Wittgenstein walking tour in…Glossop!

The one-off event led by local art historian Michael Howard encourages participants to fly kites to celebrate the works of the famous Austrian philosopher

‍

If you love getting out into the wilds to fire up your creativity, escape the stresses of daily life or use walking in nature as the ultimate Sunday reset, a one-off event on the hills above Glossop - just 30 minutes from Manchester by train - could be for you.

‍

‍

The famous Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein possessed one of the most original minds of the twentieth century. His influence upon philosophical thinking was matched by his impact upon avant-garde artists, writers, and musicians. At the age of 19, Wittgenstein left Vienna, the city of his birth, to pursue research in aeronautics at the Victoria University of Manchester. As part of his studies, he spent time on the moors around Chunal, high above the High Peak town of Glossop, designing and flying large box-kites.

‍

This weekend, art historian and local creative luminary Michael Howard is leading a curated ‘Wander Walk’ in partnership with Glossop Creates, through the landscape that the young Wittgenstein knew so well - not just the moors themselves, but the turbulent rhythms of the surrounding atmosphere.

‍

The wander will follow in his footsteps, offering an opportunity to reflect on the interplay of landscape, thought and creativity.

‍

Though he originally wanted to study philosophy, Wittgenstein’s wealthy father convinced his son to follow a more practical ambition - aeronautics (the building of things that fly). On his arrival,  young Ludwig was bursting with plans for a number of fascinating projects, including that of designing - and flying - his own plane.  During the spring and summer of 1908/09 he worked and lodged at the isolated Grouse Inn (now a private residence) situated two miles south of Glossop - a town on the edge of the Dark Peak, just 14 miles from Manchester city centre. Here he worked designing and constructing large box-kites which could take scientific  instruments high into the upper atmosphere.

‍

‍
‍

Walkers will pass by the very field where Wittgenstein and his friend William Eccles posed together holding a large box kite. They will be able to imagine how the landscape with its ever-changing light may well have shaped Wittgenstein’s thinking and influenced his later works, and to relish the connectivity of walking, thinking and creative inspiration.

‍

‍

Michael said: “To enjoy the thrill of flight, participants are invited to follow the great philosopher’s example - why not  bring and fly a kite, perhaps even one you have made yourself!  Wittgenstein knew these hills, valleys and cloughs so well.  We can imagine how they may have inspired him and, in turn, we too may be equally inspired to allow the process of walking without any premeditated purpose to open our minds and senses to whatever surrounds us.”

‍

‍

Claire Tymon, who heads up Glossop Creates, said: “The Glossop Creates Wander Walk series regularly celebrates local creative talent, as well as figures from history who have shaped the world through a connection with our town. It’s incredible to have Michael on board for this one and we predict an incredible, one off experience for anyone taking part.”

‍

Michael Howard is an artist, lecturer, writer and poet who has lived in Glossop for over 35 years; he is married to the well known artist, Ghislaine Howard. Michael has written extensively on European art, including books on L.S. Lowry, Monet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin.  Through his work, Michael explores the deep connections between landscape, creativity, and human experience.

‍

‍

This family friendly ‘Wander Walk’ combines Michael’s passion for art, literature, and philosophy, offering a thought-provoking journey through Glossop’s landscape. It costs just £5 per person with children under 12 free.

‍

“If people never did silly things nothing intelligent would ever get done.”

― Ludwig Wittgenstein

‍

The Wander walk will take place on Sunday 23rd March and will start at 10am. It lasts 2 hours. To book your place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/following-in-the-footsteps-of-wittgenstein-wander-walk-with-michael-howard-tickets-1268505968499?aff=oddtdtcreator

‍