24 September 2008
North Yorkshire's Shandy Hall will become the permanent home of the best Sterne collection in the world, thanks to a £200,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant announced today. The funding will also support a packed programme of events and activities designed to bring new life to the famous author’s life and works.
Laurence Sterne was an 18th century English writer with a world-wide reputation. His books have never been out of print. He wrote his most famous novel, ‘The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman’, at Shandy Hall. The book has recently been made into the successful film, ‘A Cock and Bull Story’, starring Steve Coogan.
Thanks to the HLF grant, The Laurence Sterne Trust (LST) based at Shandy Hall, will purchase two rare collections relating to the world-famous writer. The Monkman collection forms the most comprehensive collection of the writings of Sterne and the books that influenced him printed in the 18th century, and on his subsequent international reputation, his continuing legacy, popularity and influence on literature and visual arts. The Martin Rowson archive contains the original drawings and details of Rowson’s well-reviewed 1997 graphic novel version of Tristram Shandy.
Shandy Hall is already used by researchers, scholars, creative artists and writers who are inspired by Sterne's work. The HLF grant will now help the Trust to give people from all walks of life a chance to explore the life, works and influences of Sterne by running a lively programme of events, workshops, conservation and learning activities.
Highlights will include an exhibition of ‘The Illustrated Tristram Shandy’ by Martin Rowson. There will be a series of workshops, talks and lectures on the political cartoon and its contemporary relevance. There will also be public readings and performances of Sterne’s sermons, an artist in residence and programmes linked to the national curriculum.
Commenting on the significance of the award, Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Yorkshire and the Humber, said:
“Today’s news gives these important collections a permanent and fitting home at the Hall where Sterne wrote his most famous book. It also opens up a wealth of opportunities for us all to discover more about this intriguing man, his work and those who have since been inspired by him.”
Nicolas Barker, Chair of the Laurence Sterne Trust, commented:
“This Grant is a tremendous boost for the Laurence Sterne Trust. It secures the unrivalled book collection at Shandy Hall and allows us to develop our activities in many directions that would have been impossible without the Grant. We are deeply grateful to the HLF for its recognition of our work.
Notes to picture desk
A specially created cartoon to mark the news has been created by Martin Rowson. Please email samanthag@hlf.org.uk for a copy
Notes to editors
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK.