In an unprecedented cultural coup for Australia, HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast has unveiled a world-first exhibition that unites rare literary artefacts and portraits from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London. Aptly titled Writers Revealed, the exhibition opened on 12 April and will run until 3 August 2025 — and it’s nothing short of a bibliophile’s dream.
For the first time outside of the UK, more than 100 precious manuscripts, letters, and portraits from history’s most celebrated writers are on display. Among them: a handwritten draft of Dracula by Bram Stoker, John Milton’s publishing contract for Paradise Lost, and letters from modern literary greats like Zadie Smith and Kazuo Ishiguro. Visitors can even come face-to-face with the only known painting of William Shakespeare created in his lifetime.
A World of Words Comes to Life
Curated in collaboration with London’s iconic cultural institutions, Writers Revealed takes audiences on a journey through 500 years of English literature. The exhibition is arranged into five thematic sections, each peeling back the curtain on the thoughts, processes, and personal histories of literary giants like Jane Austen, William Blake, JRR Tolkien, Lord Byron, Salman Rushdie, and more.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australian audiences,” said Yarmila Alfonzetti, Head of Arts and Culture at Experience Gold Coast. “To stand before Shakespeare’s portrait or see the handwritten drafts of literary masterpieces is a profound and inspiring experience. We’re inviting visitors to lose themselves in the words, ideas, and creative genius of some of the greatest writers of all time.”
A Coming of Age for HOTA
The exhibition not only puts historic treasures on show — it marks a turning point for HOTA as a world-class arts destination. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate described the event as a milestone for the city: “Hosting Writers Revealed is further proof HOTA is coming-of-age, evolving as a destination locals and visitors can feel extremely proud of.”
The curatorial vision behind Writers Revealed is the result of a powerful collaboration between Alexandra Ault, Lead Curator of Modern Archives and Manuscripts at the British Library, and Catharine MacLeod, Senior Curator of 17th Century Collections at the National Portrait Gallery.
“We are thrilled to collaborate on Writers Revealed, a truly unique exhibition that brings together some of the most exceptional objects from our collections,” said Ault. “Visitors to HOTA will experience exquisite manuscripts and literary objects alongside the celebrated portraits of the writers who created them.”
MacLeod echoed the excitement: “This unprecedented collaboration features world-famous treasures from both collections that rarely leave London. We are thrilled to bring these wonderful portraits and literary works to this extraordinary venue in such a beautiful part of Australia.”
Beyond the Exhibition: A Celebration of Storytelling
What makes Writers Revealed even more extraordinary is the vibrant program of events, workshops, and conversationsrunning alongside the exhibition. Opening weekend included panel talks with co-curators Ault and MacLeod, offering rare behind-the-scenes insight into the complexities of bringing such a monumental show together.
Literary-themed experiences continue throughout the exhibition’s 16-week run. One standout event is Picnic at Pemberley, a regency-inspired outdoor gathering hosted on the HOTA stage lawn in collaboration with The Abbey Museum. It’s a chance to step back into Jane Austen’s world, complete with period costumes, elegance, and a heavy dose of literary nostalgia.
The program also features In Conversation events, including a spotlight on writer David Burton, who will explore the rituals and routines of authors. One of the most anticipated events is a conversation between Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb, where the celebrated podcasters will delve into their personal relationships with literature — discussing books that shaped them, authors who moved them, and stories that left lasting impressions.
Literary Delights, On and Off the Page
Those wishing to extend their visit can indulge in a multi-sensory experience at HOTA’s three-hatted restaurant, Palette. Here, a six-course tasting menu with wine pairings has been specially designed to reflect the whimsy and brilliance of the literary masterpieces on show. Think dishes inspired by Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll, Virginia Woolf, and Tolkien — an edible homage to centuries of storytelling.
Adding to the atmosphere, the Palette terrace has been transformed with a garden-inspired Perrier Jouet champagne activation, featuring a newly relaunched high tea menu. Classic English treats are being reimagined in ways that bring a fresh twist to tradition — a fitting tribute to the timelessness of great literature.
Writers Revealed: Treasures from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London
🗓 12 April – 3 August 2025
📍 Gallery 1, HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
🎟 Tickets from $19.00
More details and ticket bookings at: hota.com.au
