Literary lovers don’t need to wait any longer to get their hands on a copy of
Nottingham’s Literary Map...
With Nottinghamshire's rich history of writers, such as Alan Sillitoe, DH Lawrence and Lord Byron, it's about time avid readers could follow a literary trail to visit the historical locations associated with our literary history.
Nottingham’s Literary Map has been an exciting and fulfilling collaborative project between Nottingham City of Literature, the University of Nottingham and Visit Nottinghamshire. Funded by Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Arts Council England, the map is a joyous celebration of Nottingham’s literary voices, (both past and present) to mark the anniversary of ten years as a UNESCO designated City of Literature.
Following a successful launch event with partners from around the city, the map can now be discovered at Nottingham Tourism Centre, Five Leaves, Bromley House Library, Nottingham Central Library and more!
The map is the culmination of a series of public-facing workshops that explored Nottingham’s rich literary history and modern day. Following this, the team had the difficult task of narrowing them down to 42 locations divided up into bookshops, literary landmarks, people and places.
Nottingham’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature has served both as a recognition of the historical achievements of the city’s writers, and a way of creating new opportunities for readers and writers here. The map reinforces both of these purposes in the most exciting way, and invites visitors to the city and the people of Nottingham alike to become more familiar with our literary landscape.
Professor Jayne Carrol, Head of the School of English at the University of Nottingham
Nottingham’s UNESCO City of Literature designation recognises the city’s extraordinary literary heritage, but also its commitment to using words, stories and creativity to shape a better future. This new literary map is a brilliant way of bringing that designation to life. It helps residents and visitors discover the writers, places, bookshops, creative spaces and hidden histories that make Nottingham such a distinctive literary city. As part of the global UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Nottingham is connected to cities around the world using culture and creativity to support education, opportunity and civic pride. The map beautifully showcases what makes Nottingham special, while inviting more people to explore and take part in its literary life.
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported the development of the Nottinghamshire Literary Map, which brings to life the rich storytelling heritage that defines our region," says Matt Rabagliati, Head of Policy and Research, UNESCO UK. "This map offers a new and engaging way for visitors and residents alike to explore that legacy, discover our vibrant literary venues, and experience the places and stories that continue to shape Nottingham and Nottinghamshire today."
Featuring illustrations by artist Chloë Holwill-Hunter, Research Affiliate Crystal Mah-Wing was on the team who created the map and recently told us more about the process. "Working on this has really shown me there’s a great writing community here in Nottingham, who have a real willingness to work together and support each other," she said. "There's a passion, and enthusiasm for things to grow, develop and improve together."
Hannah Trevarthen, director of Nottingham City of Literature, urges readers to discover the city's hidden gems, current creative hubs and literary heritage locations: "The success of the map really shows Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s strength as a leading literary destination with a thriving ecosystem of partnerships that celebrate and champion our stories. This map will help everyone, locals and tourists alike, to discover a new Nottingham that’s hiding in plain sight."
The map is available to pick up from our Nottingham Tourism Centre located on Smithy Row, just off Old Market Square, and a digital copy can be downloaded on the Visit Nottinghamshire website.
Get your copy now and start exploring!
You can find out more about Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature and their mission to build a better future with words at the link below.
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