Industry News

Two Tales is officially open on Durham’s high street with an exciting launch weekend for stakeholders, friends, local families and supporters of Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books beginning this Friday 16 May with a welcome to funders and supporters of the project.

Seven Stories believes every book is an open door to adventure. Now, as part of their 20th Anniversary celebrations, they’re bringing that adventure from their beloved Visitor Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne to the heart of Durham with ‘Two Tales’. This initiative aligns with Seven Stories’ mission to preserve, celebrate and promote children’s literature across the UK.

Durham’s hosting of the country’s inaugural pop-up ‘Two Tales’ from Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, a mini Seven Stories set over two floors in Unit 4 (former FatFace Store) of Prince Bishops Place Shopping Centre is already proving to be a huge hit with families, coffee lovers and bookworms alike.

“Celebrating books, promoting wellbeing and serving as a cultural hub where visitors can appreciate our world-renowned collection has always been our aim,” says Wendy Elliott, CEO of Seven Stories and a global advocate for the benefits of reading.

“We’re delighted to have opened this accessible and immersive space where everyone can share in our passion for children’s books and the people who create them. I’d like to thank our partners who have supported us in making this venture a reality.”

Richard O’Neill, Creative Lead at Seven Stories says, “Our talented team have created a multi-functional and intergenerational environment where books can be explored, discussed and purchased while everything from family storytelling sessions to business meetings, to school learning visits and author events can take place.”

In addition to a gallery space, Two Tales hosts interactive storytelling sessions, and educational workshops designed to engage young minds and support literacy development while highlighting never-before-seen items from Seven Stories’ renowned Collection of children’s literature.

James Taylor, Regional Director of Citrus Group, the owners of Prince Bishop’s Shopping Centre, says: “We’ve been working for some time supporting Seven Stories to bring this amazing opportunity to the city. We are absolutely thrilled with the support given from a wide range of stakeholders. Now that Two Tales is open to the public, this is a truly exciting and innovative addition to the high street and one that places children’s literature at its heart in a fun, engaging and inspirational facility that will appeal to a wide range of visitors.”

Councillor Amanda Hopgood, who championed the collaboration: “This is a fantastic example of Durham’s ambition and the positive partnerships between the council, businesses, and charities.”

Adam Goldwater, Collections and Exhibitions Director at Seven Stories, highlighted the significance of bringing Seven Stories archive of over 100 years of children’s books to a brand-new audience: “

Two Tales takes visitors on an “adventure by book,” allowing them to get up close with original manuscripts and illustrations from children’s books that have shaped the imagination and creativity of generations.” 2 Two Tales is now open to the public and has warmly welcomed an intergenerational audience for coffee and community; step inside, explore, imagine. Open daily: 10:00am-4:00pm, and 11:00am-4:00pm on Sundays.

Further information can be found via the website.