Breton writers condemn Cardiff sale of priceless books

The Association of Breton Writers (l'Association des Écrivains Bretons) has condemned in the strongest terms Cardiff City Council's intention to sell a substantial part of the City Library's priceless collection of old printed books. The Welsh capital is twinned with Nantes, the ancient capital of the Dukes of Brittany.

While voicing their deep concern at the actions of Cardiff Council, the Breton writers have expressed their full solidarity with their colleagues, the writers of Wales, and the Welsh intellectual community, in opposing an action that would deprive Cardiff and the whole of Wales from an important part of their heritage.

Bonhams, London, is preparing a list of more than 100 books to be sold at auction in November. It is possible, if Cardiff City is allowed to proceed with its plans, that as many as 18,000 books could eventually be sold, including books from the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th centuries donated in 1902 to the Cardiff Library by one of the city's benefactors, John Cory. This includes a collection of rare pre-1500 books, printed in Venice, Florence, Strasbourg, Basle and other European centres of learning.

City of Barbarianism

The Association of Breton Writers notes that it was only two years ago that Cardiff was presenting its case to be the European City of Culture. One Breton writer has suggested that a more appropriate title for Cardiff would be that of European City of Barbarianism.

"Such a sale, which is totally contrary to the strictest rules appertaining to public collections as advocated by UNESCO, would be morally disastrous" says the statement issued by the Association's President, Mr Yves Lainé.

The Association is demanding that the City Council should reconsider, to think of the future generations who will find themselves deprived of this heritage and to renounce immediately and for ever this flawed project.

In the meantime, Cardiff University has stepped in, offering to safeguard Cardiff City Library's collection of old printed books. The City has given assurances that Llyfr Aneirin, the William Morgan Bible and other Welsh books, and its manuscript collection, which includes the Captain Robert F. Scott (of Antartica – he sailed from Cardiff) manuscripts and the Marquis of Bute collection would not be sold.

The University Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Grant said: “The entire collection should be kept in Cardiff and be available to the public. The books are a vital part, historically and culturally, of Cardiff and Wales.”

The Heritage Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government, Alun Ffred Jones, has written to the City Council, expressing his concern.

It is understood that the previous Heritage Minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, and the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, also held meetings with the City Council expressing concern.

Friends of Cardiff Heritage, which includes local people, academics, solicitors and librarians are urging people to write to the City Council asking them to think again and stop the sale of books that are among Cardiff's greatest treasures.

The Secretary of the Cardiff Bibliography Society, Dr E. Wyn James, said: "It appears that the council doesn't have the slightest idea of the value of the collection. Selling the Library's collection of these rare and valuable books is on a par with the idea of the National Museum selling its collection of French Impressionist paintings."

In response to the protestations Cardiff City Council has withdrawn 32 books from the initial list to be auctioned in London in November, but over 100 books remain on that list.