Lemn Sissay transforms Storyhouse into a poetry book

Award-winning Storyhouse has transformed into a poetry book by Lemn Sissay, Artist in Residence for Chester Literature Festival.

Between now and 1 December Chester Literature Festival returns to the city for its annual celebration of words and ideas.

This year celebrated poet Lemn Sissay joins Storyhouse as artist in residence – a brand new collection of his poems, all written at dawn, are emblazoned across the multi-award-winning venue’s walls.

(Lemn Sissay MBE)

Sissay, whose poems can be seen at other buildings including The Royal Festival Hall and the Olympic Park said:

“Storyhouse is an inspirational building that welcomes thousands of different people in and makes them feel at home each new day. It’s wonderful to think my new Morning Tweets collection might inspire, delight, surprise its visitors over the coming year”

Set to be installed for a year, Storyhouse will be like ‘stepping into a poetry book’ as Lemn’s poems fill the space for people to read, enjoy and share.

Gigantic poems have been installed across Storyhouse’s walls, floors, windows, balconies and mezzanine. There are poems in toilets, in the restaurant, across the library and theatre.

Alex Clifton, artistic director said: ‘We are thrilled that Lemn has joined us as artist in residence, he is one of the most influential poets of his generation. Storyhouse welcomes a raft of communities every day, so many kinds of people who we hope will connect with Lemn’s words.’

All of Lemn’s installations can be viewed for free, and no booking is necessary.

Other artists appearing at the Chester Literature Festival include Nigella Lawson, last year’s artist in residence Hollie McNish, Joanna Trollope, Luke Wright, Jenni Murray, Robin Ince, Dolly Alderton and many more, with an incredible 66 events across the three weeks of the festival.

To find out more visit storyhouse.com