Baggs bequest inspires conversations about happiness

The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture began in 1976 with a lecture from the famous musician, Yehudi Menuhin. Over nearly 50 years, household names including Sir David Attenborough, Maureen Lipman and Benjamin Zephaniah have all given their thoughts on the topic.

More recently, we have heard from broadcaster Eve Pollard, the Reverend Richard Coles, and the much-loved children’s author, Michael Rosen.

The series is made possible through a bequest from Thomas Baggs. Born in Birmingham in 1889, Thomas Baggs was an alumnus of the University who went on to become a teacher, journalist and a war correspondent for the Daily Mail before a successful career in advertising for the USA automobile industry.

When he died in 1973 Thomas bequeathed money to the University to provide for an annual public lecture on the theme of ‘Happiness - what it is and how it may be achieved by individuals as well as nations.’

Some of our Baggs Happiness Lectures are available to view online. Take a look at some of the most recent events.