Robert Owen (1771-1858) Utopian Legacy - Exhibition - 2nd May until 31st May - Newtown Library

Come and learn about the life and legacy of Robert Owen (1771-1858) Philanthropic Welsh Business & Social Entrepreneur who championed the poor and vulnerable. He was a pioneer of infant education and the co-operative movement.

The exhibition will tell the story of young Robert Owen growing up in the medieval market town of Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Powys during the 18th century. Since Robert Owen was a great believer in the influence of your environment on the formation of ones character his story is a reflection of his early life in Newtown which helped develop his character and aspirations for his lifelong commitment to provide education for all and better working and living conditions for his workers and their community wellbeing.

This far-sighted utopian visionary man who was arguable born before his time, was one of the most original free thinkers ever to come out of Wales. “Distinctly contemporary, in equality, feminism, green issues and humane treatment of labour and infant education. His ideas on co-operative ownership and profit-sharing are still increasingly popular. All of which are relevant today. Owen’s Legacy lives on in business, politics and particularly in education.

This exhibition will also cover Robert Owen’s legacy of his New Lanark Mills which is now managed by New Lanark Trust as a UNESCO World Heritage visitor destination, with educational outreach partnerships. https://newlanark.org/

In 1825 Robert Owen bought into the biggest adventure of his life spending 125,000 dollars to buy George Rapp Harmonie Society and 20,000 acres of fertile land to establish his utopian community New Harmony in Indiana America.

This year marks their 200th Anniversary as Historic New Harmony which is preserved by the University of Southern Indiana and the Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation. https://www.usi.edu/hnh  https://www.facebook.com/historicnewharmony  https://www.visitnewharmony.com/atheneum

Newtown’s Robert Owen Museum is open 11am – 3pm Mon-Fri but there could be some Saturday openings for the Birthday commemorations of Robert Owen. https://www.robertowenmuseum.co.uk/

Also take the Robert Owen Heritage Trail walk through Newtown and learn about the pioneers of Newtown.

FREE ENTRY - TO THE EXHIBITION IN NEWTOWN LIBRARY (2nd May - 31st May 2025)

While you are visiting the Robert Owen Utopian Legacy Exhibition you could also visit the Robert Owen Memorial Museum or take the Heritage Trail

https://newtown.org.uk/discover-newtown/walking-newtown/newtown-heritage-walk