Lecturers to host workshops in historic settings around Worcester

The workshops aim to inspire residents' creativity by focusing on their relationship with these heritage spaces.

Dr Lucy Arnold, senior lecturer in English literature, and Dr Jack McGowan, principal lecturer in creative writing, have organised the literary and creative writing sessions.

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The initiative is part of their wider project, titled 'Can These Stones Speak'.

This project explores the best methods to connect people with Worcester's history using literary strategies.

Dr Arnold said: "The project’s aims are twofold: to collaborate with heritage organisations to inspire new ways of working using our experience from literary studies and creative writing to engage audiences.

"Secondly, to use these strategies to engage audiences and invite them to create meaningful engagement with the historic past.

"It’s about opening up spaces where people can make relationships with the past of Worcester and what’s important to them, rather than a one size fits all history of Worcester.

"It’s having a sense of ownership of the place where you live."

The first workshop, 'Dark Archives: Gothic Adventures in the Museum', is set for Saturday, October 19 at the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.

Dr Arnold will discuss the role of poisons, potions, and chemicals in literature, crime fiction, and spooky tales, followed by Dr McGowan encouraging attendees to create their own gothic narratives.

The second session, 'Phantom Narratives: Heritage Spaces and the Ghost Story', will take place on Wednesday, November 13 at The Commandery.

It will explore the relationship between heritage spaces, historical architecture, and the ghost story genre.

Participants will produce written work in response to the historical setting.

Dr McGowan said: "It’s getting people to engage with the spaces in different ways.

"Can these stones speak, can they present a different narrative?"