D.H. LAWRENCE FESTIVAL 2006

Monday 14th August - Monday 11th September


D.H. Lawrence Heritage will be undertaking its third annual celebration of the life and works of one of Nottinghamshire’s greatest literary figures - D.H. Lawrence. Catering for all levels of interest the D.H. Lawrence Festival 2006, set in the writer’s hometown of Eastwood, is a must for everyone.

This year’s festival is guaranteed to be a sensory delight as it takes on an international flavour, promising a range of exquisite foods from a number of the countries Lawrence encountered during his lifetime. A focus will also be placed upon Lawrence's collection of short stories, said to be some of his most beautiful pieces of work, explored through a specialist talk, book clubs and a guided walk.

This celebration has been developed by Broxtowe Borough Council, who today aim to promote the history and works of this writer under the umbrella of D.H. Lawrence Heritage.

D.H. Lawrence Festival Crossword Competition Test your knowledge of the life and works of D.H. Lawrence by entering our special crossword competition. All correctly completed crosswords will be entered into a prize draw with a range of prizes to be won, including a Luxury Weekend Break for Two. The competition will run throughout the period of the festival from Monday 14th August. The deadline for entries will be 5pm on Monday 11th September. All entrants must be aged 18 years old or over. Contact us or visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk for details on how to enter.


DH LAWRENCE FESTIVAL 2006 - Event Summary

Monday 14th August
Exhibition Preview Evening (Invite Only) 6.30pm until 8pm

Tuesday 15th August until Friday 3rd November
Portrait of a Genius: Images of D.H. Lawrence Open daily from 10am

Every Wednesday during the festival
Short-Story Creative Writing Course 1pm until 3pm

Wednesday 16th August
John Harvey: ‘Out of the Shadows’ 7.30pm until 9pm

Thursday 17th August
Outdoor Watercolour Workshop with Maureen Lowe 10am until 4pm

Thursday 17th August
Late night opening at D.H. Lawrence Heritage 5.30pm until 8.30pm

Friday 18th August
Bite-Size French 6pm until 7pm

Friday 18th August
French Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro From 7pm

Sunday 20th August
Mountain Cottage Walk at Wirksworth 10.30am until approximately 2.30pm

Monday 21st August
Book Club: ‘Odour of Chrysanthemums’ with Dr. Sean Matthews 6.30pm until 7.30pm

Friday 25th August
American Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro From 7pm

Sunday 27th August
At Home with the Lawrences 10am until 3.45pm

Sunday 27th August
Ron Faulks: 'The Rainbow' 11.30am until 12.30pm

Monday 28th August
Blue Line Trail Walk 11am until approximately 1pm

Tuesday 29th August
Italian Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro From 7pm

Wednesday 30th August
Bethan Jones: ‘Disappearing Tricks: Craft, Comedy & Satire in D.H. Lawrence’s Late Short Fiction’ 7.00pm until 8.30pm

Thursday 31st August
Book Club: ‘Sketches of Etruscan Places’ with Peter Preston 6.30pm until 7.30pm

Saturday 2nd September
Greasley Walk 1.30pm until approximately 4pm

Monday 4th September
Book Club: ‘The Prussian Officer’ with Prof. John Worthen 6.30pm until 7.30pm

Wednesday 6th September
Bite-Size German 6pm until 7pm

Wednesday 6th September
German Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro From 7pm

Sunday 10th September
At Home with the Lawrences and Victorian Games From 10am until 3.45pm

Monday 11th September
The D.H. Lawrence Society at the Birthplace Museum 11am until 3pm

DH LAWRENCE FESTIVAL 2006 - Event Details

Monday 14th August
Exhibition Preview Evening and Official Festival Opening

This invite only event will officially open the D.H. Lawrence Festival, and will include a preview of the festival's exhibition, Portrait of a Genius: Images of D.H. Lawrence. The festival will be opened by the Mayor of the Borough of Broxtowe, Cllr Doug Wilcockson, followed by a brief talk by our guest speaker, the Editor of the Journal of D.H. Lawrence Studies, Dr Andrew Harrison. Wine & canapés will be available throughout the event. Time: 6.30pm until 8pm Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre Admission: By invitation

Tuesday 15th August until Friday 3rd November
Portrait of a Genius: Images of D.H. Lawrence Few writers are as visually distinctive as D.H. Lawrence. From the formal portraits to the personal mementos of happy times, each image provides an evocative insight into his genius. This exhibition will look at photographs and drawings of Lawrence from the earliest known extant photograph, and showing moments of his life in England and abroad. Time: Open daily from 10am Venue: Rainbow Gallery, Durban House Heritage Centre Admission: Free to all on weekdays, small admission charge to non-Broxtowe Borough residents on weekends and bank holidays. Manuscripts and Special Collections, University of Nottingham



Every Wednesday during the festival – 16th, 23rd, 30th August and 6th September

Short-Story Creative Writing Course D.H. Lawrence produced a beautiful collection of short stories during his career. This intensive course will help aspiring writers craft their own short stories, with practical advice on all aspects of the writing process and discussions on the development of the short story as a literary form. Sean Elliott-Maher, a writer whose published work includes short stories, will lead the four-week course. At the end of the course attendees will have produced a short story, which will be exhibited at Durban House until Friday 3rd November. Time: 1pm until 3pm Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre Booking: £10.00 for the four-week course. Places are limited and pre-enrolment required; contact the Festival Box Office. Additional information: Please bring along your own writing equipment to the session, including a writing pad for exercises.

Wednesday 16th August
Talk:John Harvey ‘Out of the Shadows’ John Harvey has always found himself attached in some way to Lawrence. From teaching Lawrence's short stories prior to becoming a full-time writer, he also lived close to two houses previously occupied by Lawrence. Harvey talks about his thirty years as a professional writer, about his crime fiction (much of it set in Nottingham) and about living in the shadow of D.H. Lawrence. Time: 7.30pm until 9pm (Doors open 7pm) Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre Admission: Tickets £3.00 Adults, £2.50 Concessions, available from the Festival Box Office.

Thursday 17th August
Outdoor Watercolour Workshop with Maureen Lowe Whilst D.H. Lawrence was best known for his literary works, he was also an accomplished painter and considered this creative pursuit just as important as any of his writings. Artist Maureen Lowe will lead this workshop that invites people of all ages and levels of experience to come along and join in this fun, drop-in session. Whether you have never picked up a paintbrush in your life or if you are already a master, there will be something in the day for everyone. In the event of adverse weather conditions indoor space will be provided. Time: 10am until 4pm Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre Admission: £2.00 donation is requested to cover material costs, however there will be no charge to participants who bring along their own materials. Additional information: Nine original watercolour paintings by Lawrence are on public display at the D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.

Thursday 17th August
Late night opening at D.H. Lawrence Heritage A rare chance to visit the twin sites of D.H. Lawrence Heritage beyond normal opening hours. The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum will be running scheduled tours whilst the Rainbow Gallery at Durban House Heritage Centre will be open to view this year’s exciting exhibition Portrait of a Genius: Images of D.H. Lawrence with our curator, Emma Herrity on hand to assist. The Rocking Horse Bistro at Durban House will be open serving a range of delicious snacks and sumptuous beverages. A wide range of crafts can also be seen at the D.H. Lawrence Craft Centre, near the Museum, including the White Peacock Sugarcraft Centre, Parnham Gallery and The Wood Gallery, which will be opening especially for the event. Time: 5.30pm until 8.30pm Venue: D.H. Lawrence Heritage - D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum and Durban House Heritage Centre. Admission: Normal free weekday admission applies, however donations always welcome. Booking: To book a Museum tour contact the Festival Box Office. Maximum 8 people per booking so places are limited. Additional Information: There is free, limited car parking at Durban House Heritage Centre.

Friday 18th August
Bite-Size French
D.H. Lawrence was a master of many languages, one of the most important for his international travels being French. Celebrating all things French this fun, hour long session will provide participants with a brief introduction to the French language being led by a representative from Aldercar Language School, Ilkeston. This event coincides with our French cuisine evening so you can further experience the culture this way, although it is not essential to do so. Time: 6pm until 7pm Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre Admission: Free Booking: As places are limited pre-enrolment is required, contact the Festival Box Office.

Friday 18th August
French Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro
The first in a series of four internationally themed culinary evenings, which will follow D.H. Lawrence through his extensive travels. There will be an opportunity for dinner guests to view this year's festival exhibition, Portrait of a Genius: Images of D.H. Lawrence, and to find out some fascinating information about D.H. Lawrence's connection with the country. Time: Bookings can be made between 7pm and 8.30pm, one sitting only. Venue: The Rocking Horse Bistro, Durban House Heritage Centre Booking: Please contact the Festival Box Office to reserve a table. Additional Information: A set four-course menu for £20.00 per head. Menus are available upon request, vegetarian alternatives offered.

Sunday 20th August
Mountain Cottage Walk at Wirksworth
Mountain Cottage was the home of D.H. Lawrence and his wife Frieda during 1918-1919. Some of Lawrence’s darkest thoughts and fears plagued him during this time and he took refuge in the commanding aspects that dominated the view from his window. This event is recommended for anyone who enjoys a long walk and wishes to learn more about Lawrence’s further connection to the landscape of the Midlands. Time: 10.30am until 2.30pm Venue: Middleton Top, Near Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Grid reference SK 275552 Admission: Free Distance: 5 miles

Monday 21st August
Book Club: ‘Odour of Chrysanthemums’ (in The Prussian Officer and Other Stories) with Dr. Sean Matthews
One of Lawrence’s most popular and enduring short stories, Odour of Chrysanthemums, recounts an almost everyday tragedy of Eastwood folk. This event will also include a rare look at some of the manuscripts held in the University of Nottingham’s archive. As with all Book Club events, it is advised that participants read the relevant story prior to the evening and to bring a copy with them to ensure satisfaction. Time: 6.30pm until 7.30pm Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre Booking: Admission is free to participants however as places are limited pre - enrolment is required. Please contact the Festival Box Office.

Friday 25th August
American Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro
The second in a series of four internationally themed culinary evenings, which will follow D.H. Lawrence through his extensive travels, details as per the 18th August event. D.H. Lawrence found America an exciting melting pot of cultures and styles, and took interest in the land that produced the literature he had critiqued so avidly. If Lawrence finally settled roots anywhere it was Taos, New Mexico and if any emergent culture intrigued him it was American.

Sunday 27th August
At Home with the Lawrences
Be guided around this small miner’s house, the first home of D.H. Lawrence, by Mrs. Lawrence herself. She will explain what sort of challenges faced her sickly son who would grow up to be a famous writer and what it was like to live in the house in Victorian Eastwood. You will then be invited to enjoy tea and cake following your tour, with the opportunity to ask questions.

Time: Eight pre-bookable 45-minute sessions throughout the day from 10am until 3.45pm.
Venue: D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.
Admission: Normal weekend admission charges apply.
Booking: Maximum 8 people per tour; please contact the Festival Box Office.

Sunday 27th August
Talk: Ron Faulks, ‘The Rainbow’
Ron Faulks, Secretary of the D.H. Lawrence Society, will explain why The Rainbow is one of his favourite Lawrence novels. It was the first of Lawrence’s novels to fall foul of the law, when 2,500 copies of the novel were first published in September 1915. Radical in both form and content the novel was quickly deemed to have gone too far with 1,195 copies of the novel impounded and destroyed by the police. Not published in this country again until 1926, it is said to contain the finest evocation of children and childhood ever written as well as breaking the traditional conventions of nineteenth century writing. Time: 11.30am until 12.30pm Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre Admission: Free

Monday 28th August
Blue Line Trail Walk
An opportunity to undertake a guided walk of the Blue Line Trail that links the four Lawrence family homes in Eastwood. This year D.H. Lawrence Heritage is pleased to announce the inclusion of a tour of the Breach House, known to readers of Lawrence as 'The Bottoms' from Sons and Lovers.
Time: 11am until approximately 1pm
Venue: Starting from Durban House Heritage Centre.
Admission: £1.50 to assist the upkeep of the Breach House.
Additional Information: Limited, free car parking available.

Tuesday 29th August
Italian Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro
The third in a series of four internationally themed culinary evenings, which will follow D.H. Lawrence through his extensive travels, details as per the 18th August event. Italy was an incredibly important country for D.H. Lawrence who lived there on several occasions and wrote most of Lady Chatterley’s Lover whilst experiencing Italian culture. Lawrence gained a powerful incite into the lives of people under a fascistic dictatorship whilst he stayed in Italy, which he battled to understand in light of his views of classical Rome.

Wednesday 30th August
Talk: Bethan Jones, ‘Disappearing Tricks: Craft, Comedy & Satire in D.H. Lawrence’s Late Short Fiction’
D.H. Lawrence is more famous for his tempestuous anger and frustration than his sense of humour, but this fascinating evening will restore the balance. Fresh from her latest publication, The Virgin and the Gipsy and Other Stories, which she co-edited, Bethan Jones will examine the humour in some of D.H. Lawrence’s shorter works. With an expansive body of work including many articles and publications on Lawrence, Bethan will speak with authority and insight on this intriguing aspect of his short-stories.
Time: 7.00pm until 8.30pm (Doors open 6.30pm)
Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre
Admission: Tickets £3.00 Adults, £2.50 Concessions, available from the Festival Box Office.

Thursday 31st August
Book Club: ‘Sketches of Etruscan Places’ with Peter Preston
Lawrence visited the Etruscan tombs in 1927, and the resulting essays were published as Sketches of Etruscan Places in 1932. The last of his travel books is central to an understanding of the final stage of his career. As with all Book Club events, it is advised that participants read the relevant story prior to the evening and to bring a copy with them to ensure satisfaction.
Time: 6.30pm until 7.30pm
Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre
Booking: Admission is free to participants however as places are limited pre-enrolment is required. Contact the Festival Box Office.

Sunday 10th September
At Home with the Lawrences and Victorian Games This Victorian themed event will commemorate the anniversary of D.H Lawrence’s birth on the 11th September 1885 as well as celebrating the 30th anniversary of the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, which was first opened in 1976. Be guided around the first home of D.H. Lawrence by his mother, Mrs Lawrence, and have a go at Victorian children’s games in the Museum’s small garden.
Time: Eight pre-bookable 45-minute sessions throughout the day from 10am until 3.45pm.
Venue: D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.
Admission: Normal weekend admission charges apply.
Booking: Maximum 8 people per tour; please contact the Festival Box Office. No booking required for the Victorian games.

Monday 11th September
The D.H. Lawrence Society at the Birthplace Museum
To commemorate the birthday of Eastwood’s famous son, the D.H. Lawrence Society will be coming over to the Birthplace Museum to visit the home and its visitors! Members of the D.H. Lawrence Society will be available to accompany tours and contribute their wealth of knowledge to what is certain to be a fitting celebration to captivate visitors. Light refreshments available. Time: 11am until 3pm Venue: D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum Admission: Free

Saturday 2nd September
Greasley Walk
This is a unique opportunity to see some of the places described in Lawrence's work, while enjoying the countryside. Along the walk you will see the fields from Love Among the Haystacks, the remains of Beauvale Priory, which appeared in his story, Fragment of Stained Glass, a distant view of Haggs Farm, and Moorgreen Reservoir, which was renamed Nethermere and Willey Water in his novels. Led by members of the Haggs Farm Preservation Society. Time: 1.30pm start prompt until approximately 4pm Venue: Meeting at the lay-by near the Greasley Church on the B600. Limited free car parking available.
Admission: Free
Distance: 5 miles

Monday 4th September
Book Club: ‘The Prussian Officer’ with Prof. John Worthen
Sadism, murder, madness: the ending of two lives… This Book Club event will look at one of Lawrence’s most famous – and controversial – short stories, The Prussian Officer. D.H. Lawrence expert Professor John Worthen will facilitate this session, which will explore this extremely beautiful yet disturbing piece of work.
Time: 6.30pm until 7.30pm
Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre
Booking:Admission is free to participants however as places are limited pre-enrolment is required. Contact the Festival Box Office.

Wednesday 6th September
Bite-Size German
This event offers another great opportunity to sample an important international language, and one that Lawrence would have to use frequently, particularly in his arguments with his German wife Frieda! If you wish to continue your adventures in German culture then please allow us to offer a wonderful selection of German cuisine in our culinary evening in The Rocking Horse Bistro. This session as with all our bite-size language courses are run in association with the Aldercar Language School and led by one of their expert advisors.
Time: 6pm until 7pm
Venue: Durban House Heritage Centre
Admission: Free
Booking: As places are limited pre-enrolment is required. Contact the Festival Box Office.

Wednesday 6th September
German Culinary Evening at The Rocking Horse Bistro
The last in a series of four internationally themed culinary evenings, which will follow D.H. Lawrence through his extensive travels, details as per the 18th August event. From a cultural perspective Germany was England’s closest ally and rival in the latter Victorian period, particularly the links between the monarchies. However all the ties that bound the two countries were torn asunder at the advent of the First World War, causing Lawrence and his German wife to be suspected as spies and scorned wherever they travelled. Lawrence’s relationship with Germany and its culture is as integral as his relationship with England.

Important Information All walk participants are advised to dress for changing weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and bring along refreshments and sunscreen. Due to the location of the walks we do not recommend dogs taking part. Please allow plenty of time to get to the walk starting point to allow a prompt start time.

Acknowledgements: D.H. Lawrence Heritage would like to thank the following for their support, advice and assistance in the development of this year's Festival: Aldercar Community Language College,Langley Mill; Andy Pollock, Derbyshire County Council; Dr. Bethan Jones; The D.H. Lawrence Craft Centre; Experience Nottinghamshire; George Eastman House, New York; Haggs Farm Preservation Society; Dr Andrew Harrison; Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin; John Harvey; Prof. John Worthen; Keith Sagar; Manuscripts and Special Collections, University of Nottingham; Maureen Lowe, The Art Group in Eastwood; National Portrait Gallery; Peter Preston; Dr. Sean Matthews; The D.H. Lawrence Society; The Nottingham Belfry Hotel; Eastwood Hall; The Rocking Horse Bistro and everyone who has assisted with the exhibition in terms of research or copyright permission.

For Programme of events: Contact us at: D.H. Lawrence Festival Box Office, D.H. Lawrence Heritage, Durban House Heritage Centre, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, NG16 3DZ Telephone: 01773 717 353 E-mail: culture@broxtowe.gov.uk Website: www.broxtowe.gov.uk

Why not make a break of it? Stay within the beautiful countryside that inspired so much of Lawrence’s work and which he referred to as the ‘Country of My Heart’. Visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk or www.visitnotts.com for more details. Rural retreats and Nottingham city breaks available.

This information is also available in large print upon request All information correct at time of print

How to find us:

Durban House Heritage Centre Mansfield Road Eastwood Nottinghamshire NG16 3DZ D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum 8a Victoria Street Eastwood Nottinghamshire NG16 3AW

From M1 Junction 26 take the A610 towards Eastwood and follow the 'D.H. Lawrence Heritage' brown tourism signs. From M1 Junction 27 take the A608 through Brinsley towards Eastwood