Renishaw Hall hosts literary weekend

The themed events will feature special tours of the hall focusing on the Sitwell family’s literary works and connections, plus a creative writing workshop with the county’s Poet Laureate, Helen Mort.

On Saturday May 16, Helen will host a creative writing session: ‘If Walls Could Talk’. Helen will take you on a tour of the beautiful gardens at Renishaw and a look through the fascinating Sitwell Museum where information on generations of writers and poets within the Sitwell family will inspire you to write, with guidance from Helen.

On Sunday, May 17, Renishaw Hall itself opens up for special literary tours conducted by Renishaw Hall & Garden’s curator and archivist, Christine Beevers, who will unveil the rich literary connections of the Sitwell family who has resided there for almost 400 years.

The tour has been developed following Alexandra Sitwell’s (owner of Renishaw Hall and granddaughter and great niece to the famous literary ‘Trio’) recent audit of all the literary collection belonging to Renishaw Hall; some 30,000 books and numerous manuscripts and letters.

As rare editions of books, fascinating letters and other exciting documents were unveiled Alexandra decided she would share this rich cultural heritage with visitors to her home: “Even now, I pick up a book by Aunt Edith, Osbert or Sachie and there’s always something new to learn” says Alexandra, whose most ‘lived in’ room at Renishaw Hall is the Library.

Christine will take visitors through the stories behind the Trio, comprising Dame Edith Sitwell (1887 - 1964) who was a grandly theatrical poet and novelist, Sir Osbert Sitwell (1892-1969) who wrote prose, poetry and also many short stories and novels, and Sir Sacheverell Sitwell (1897-1988) who was well known for his work on art, architecture, ballet and travel.

Both events at Renishaw over the weekend of May 16 and 17 are to support the Derbyshire Literature Festival; ten action-packed days of literary treats across the county from May 8 to 17, organised by Derbyshire County Council.

To book tickets for the workshop at Renishaw Hall & Gardens with Derbyshire’s Poet Laureate Helen Mort on Saturday, May 16, please go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/festival where you can book online. You can also book tickets in person at any Derbyshire Library.

To book on to a Renishaw Hall literary tour on Sunday, May 17, contact: [email protected] or call 01246 432310.