Leland Bardwell leaves a legacy of generous commitment to the arts

This week the sad news reached us of the death of Leland Bardwell. She was 94 and died in Sligo where she had made her home for many years. From her birth in India in 1922, Leland enjoyed a colourful life with a rich and varied writing career.

Her work included five novels, five collections of poems, a collection of short stories, as well as a memoir, and several plays. Apart from her accomplished body of work, Leland also leaves a legacy of generous commitment to the arts, having been one of the founding editors of Cyphers. She was also involved in the founding of the Irish Writers’ Co-op, and the Scriobh literary festival in Sligo.

We in the Centre recall with great fondness her participation in our Peregrine Readings in 2011 – despite her age she was not fazed by touring provincial venues, and giving readings that enchanted audiences. Her warm charm and her wit will be sorely missed by the literary community.