New D.H. Lawrence Museum exhibition celebrates talented young writers

The D.H. Lawrence Children’s Prize: Writing Competition was launched on World Book Day on 1 March 2023.  Open to all children up to the age of 16, the competition asked for short stories, poems and non-fiction pieces on the theme of ‘my neighbourhood.’ 

As one of Nottingham’s most famous sons, the award is named in honour of the Eastwood born writer, D.H. Lawrence who often wrote about the local area in his own works.

The judges, who were made up of Eastwood Writers’ Group and local writer Kai Northcott, were overwhelmed by the response, with over 240 entries, received from not just Broxtowe but all over the country and as far afield as Iceland and Mexico.

Kai said: “It was great to read the work of so many passionate and flourishing young writers. The outstanding level of quality and originality of submissions made my job very difficult. I hope this competition gives them a boost in confidence and encourages them to keep writing.”

The exhibition runs from 12 October until 22 December in the museum’s gallery. It is free to visit the gallery and visitors may also wish to pay a small charge to explore the wider museum to experience the traditional Victorian wash house, see the parlour; a room only for special guests, feel the warmth of the fire in the kitchen and have a wander around the parental and other bedrooms.

The competition and exhibition has been made possible thanks to Broxtowe Borough Council’s Shared Prosperity Funding.

The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is where this literary legend was born on 11 September 1885. Only 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre, the Museum is a must see for fans of literature, and for those wanting to delve deeper into Nottingham’s literary heritage.

The museum’s permanent exhibition features items from Lawrence’s family and even paintings created by the author himself.

Find out more at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/dhlawrencemuseum (Opens in a new window).