HOTA to Host Global Debut of ‘Writers Revealed’: A Landmark Literary Exhibition

Discover Writers Revealed, an exclusive exhibition of rare literary treasures at HOTA, Gold Coast. Opens 12 April 2025
William Shakespeare, associated with John Taylor, oil on canvas, feigned oval, circa 1610
William Shakespeare, associated with John Taylor, oil on canvas, feigned oval, circa 1610

The Gold Coast’s HOTA, Home of the Arts, is set to make waves in the arts and culture scene with the global debut of Writers Revealed: Treasures from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London. Opening on 12 April 2025, this extraordinary exhibition promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter over 100 rare manuscripts and first editions, alongside 70 iconic portraits, brought together for the first time in history.

This groundbreaking collaboration between two of Britain’s most revered cultural institutions—the British Library and the National Portrait Gallery—will spotlight the enduring legacy of English literature. From the 16th century to the present day, visitors will step into the worlds of literary icons such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Zadie Smith, among many others.

A Rare Glimpse into Literary History

For 16 captivating weeks, HOTA’s Gallery 1 will transform into a treasure trove of literary artefacts. Visitors will get a rare and intimate glimpse into the personal lives and creative processes of some of history’s most influential writers. Highlights include:

  • J.R.R. Tolkien’s handwritten and illustrated letters to his grandson, which echo the themes of The Lord of the Rings.
  • A diary entry by Lewis Carroll reflecting on the creation of Alice in Wonderland.
  • Virginia Woolf’s handwritten manuscript for Mrs Dalloway.
  • Jane Austen’s writing desk, a humble yet iconic relic of her enduring legacy.
  • The only portrait believed to have been painted of William Shakespeare during his lifetime.

These artefacts, which rarely leave their London homes, offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the minds behind some of the world’s most beloved stories.

As Alexandra Ault, Lead Curator of Modern Archives and Manuscripts at the British Library, explains, “Visitors will experience rare first editions and exquisite manuscripts alongside celebrated portraits of the writers who created them. The exhibition features over 70 authors from a diverse range of backgrounds, spanning 500 years of English literature.”

Catharine MacLeod, Senior Curator of 17th Century Collections at the National Portrait Gallery, adds, “Encountering these displays, visitors will discover what is revealed and what is hidden when life, writing, and portraiture intersect.”

The choice of HOTA as the venue for this international debut is a testament to its growing reputation as a cultural hub. Spanning 1000sqm, HOTA’s state-of-the-art Gallery 1 is the perfect AAA-rated space to host such a prestigious exhibition. Its facilities, cutting-edge design, and conservation expertise ensure that visitors can fully immerse themselves in this celebration of literary history.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expressed his excitement: “What an incredible privilege to host this rare exhibition – from London to HOTA. These literary wordsmiths have sparked our collective imaginations for centuries. We now have an incredible opportunity to learn more of their literary craft, their manuscripts, and personal lives.”

Yarmila Alfonzetti, Head of Arts and Culture for Experience Gold Coast, echoed the sentiment, stating, “This exhibition is a celebration of the written word and the creative minds who have shaped our world through literature. We are proud to bring such a culturally significant event to HOTA, further cementing our position as a destination for world-class arts and culture.”

The success of Writers Revealed lies in the meticulous efforts of its co-curators, Alexandra Ault and Catharine MacLeod, who have drawn from two of the UK’s most significant cultural collections. The British Library, with over 170 million items in its archives, and the National Portrait Gallery, home to the largest collection of portraits in the world, have come together to share these treasures on Australian soil.

This unprecedented partnership has resulted in an exhibition that not only celebrates the writers’ creative legacies but also explores the personal stories and historical contexts behind their works. As visitors move through the exhibition, they’ll discover how life, art, and literature intersect to shape the cultural narrative of the English-speaking world.

Don’t Miss Writers Revealed at HOTA this April

Writers Revealed: Treasures from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London will run from 12 April to 3 August 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Tickets start at just $19.00, making this cultural experience both accessible and unmissable.

Whether you’re a devoted literary fan or simply curious to explore the lives of history’s greatest writers, this exhibition promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of English literature.

For tickets and further information, visit HOTA’s website.

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