Seven Stories

Seven Stories stands in Newcastle upon Tyne’s Ouseburn Valley, a converted Victorian mill with seven floors. It is the only museum in the UK entirely devoted to British children’s books. The centre houses a separate archive in Felling, built to preserve original manuscripts and illustrations. The building itself was once a granary before its £6.5 million conversion in 2005. In 2012 it became the National Centre for Children’s Books, a registered charity. The centre closed in 2015 for refurbishment and reopened that July with improved facilities. Michael Morpurgo donated manuscripts, notebooks and letters in 2015. The museum curates changing exhibitions featuring work from well-known authors and illustrators. Original manuscripts and illustrations from books by Jacqueline Wilson, Terry Jones and Philip Pullman are displayed to explore creativity and literature. The centre’s exhibitions have toured nationally, including shows on Judith Kerr, Anthony Browne and Jacqueline Wilson. It also runs workshops, school visits and resources for all ages, including PhD studentships with Newcastle University. Many children’s authors and illustrators visit to lead workshops and talks, such as David Almond, Julia Donaldson and Oliver Jeffers. Activities include dressing-up, creative writing, illustration and craft sessions. Visitors find seven floors of exhibits and interactive spaces designed for both children and adults. Dressing-up costumes and dramatic play areas bring stories to life. Creative writing and wordplay activities encourage exploration of language. Illustration and craft workshops let visitors make their own books or drawings. The centre’s changing programme ensures new displays regularly. The surrounding Ouseburn Valley adds to the visit with its regenerated Quayside nearby. The museum’s archive in Felling preserves important literary heritage.