FABULOUS NEWS!
The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum has been awarded a VisitEngland Hidden Gem Accolade, received as part of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme. Assessors who visited said the highlights were:
- the exceptionally interesting tour.
- the outstanding knowledge and enthusiasm and great visitor care displayed by the staff.
- the intriguing human interest asides (e.g. the origin of the saying ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater’).
- the overall high level of presentation and maintenance of the museum.
What visitors don’t always see is the effort and array of skills which are drawn upon to create this. It takes a dedicated team working on collections management, interpretation, research, visitor engagement, not to mention a museum, exhibitions space and gift shop which is always as clean as a whistle! We are now hoping this accolade will encourage more visitors to seek us out!
The Hidden Gem
The museum is tucked away on a neatly cobbled street, behind the main shopping area of Eastwood and so is somewhat ‘hidden’. Moreover, we preserve a piece of history very different from somewhere like Chatsworth House. We are no less important though, and as well as bringing the early biography of Lawrence to life, we are a fine example of a typical working-class home of the period.
The authentically restored Victorian house in which D.H. Lawrence was born and lived until he was two years of age is much bigger inside than first assumed. In each room there is meticulous attention to the style of the period. We have open viewing with nothing roped off, and combined with a fully guided tour, visitors receive an immersive experience of life in a Victorian household. As a team we have always known that you don’t have to be a fan of Lawrence to enjoy a visit. Receiving the accolade helps to confirm this and we are chuffed to bits!
D.H. Lawrence is one of the most famous and often controversial writers of the 20th century and if you are a fan, then a visit to the museum and the area is a must. The museum is also your starting point to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, which inspired so much of Lawrence’s work, and of course the Blue Line Trail; which is an urban walk that takes you by other points of interest relating to Lawrence.
So what are you waiting for? Come along and visit the birthplace of Nottingham’s rebel writer – we can’t wait to see you!
Carolyn Melbourne
