Shared Writing: Bringing Words to Life

Every year, we run programmes to engage young people with books through writing and illustration. We aim to publish at least one book -sometimes several- of students’ work each year. In 2022, we worked closely with the students and staff at Derby College, the University of Derby, and the Devonshire Educational Trust at Chatsworth House to achieve this goal. 

‘Chatsworth & Me’ is an anthology of writing and art based on the theme of 'Heritage and Home'. Students were invited to look around Chatsworth House and gardens to find items that reminded them of home or inspired them. Exploring these connections enabled the students to write and share the personal stories featured in Chatsworth & Me. 

The students are aged between 16 and 19 years. The stories have been written by students on the Derby College Lexis programme, who have only recently arrived in the UK and are learning English as a second language. Many of them are refugees. The illustrations are by students studying Art and Design, A level Art or Art Foundation at the College and the photography was taken by students at the University of Derby.

We are delighted with the results of the students’ work and hope that you will enjoy it too. You can purchase a copy through the website.