Author Launches New Book From Nottingham Tram

Acclaimed Nottingham author Clare Harvey will launch her latest novel from the very tram named after the book’s heroine.

Clare’s new book The Night Raid tells the story of Dame Laura Knight, the Nottingham born world-renowned war artist, and her work on a portrait of two Nottingham munitions factory girls escaping from the past.

Dame Laura had a tram named after her last year in recognition of a 70-year career during which she became, in the 1930s and 40s, the most famous female artist of her day, the first artist to be made a Dame and the first woman to be elected to the Royal Academy.

A Year 8 history class from George Spencer Academy will be on board the Dame Laura Knight for the launch on Thursday, December 14, learning about WWII and launching a special Twitter competition.

From 2-3pm, Clare will then deliver a talk and book signing at Djanogly Art Gallery, Nottingham Lakeside Arts, accessible from the Highfields Park tram stop, before a meet the author event, with mulled wine and mince pies, at Lady Jayne's Vintage cafe, Toton (Toton Lane tram stop) from 4-5pm.

Finally, from 6-8pm, Clare will stage a book signing at WH Smith in the Victoria Centre.

“Where better to launch a book about Dame Laura Knight then on the tram named after her?” said Clare.

“Especially since that same tram now stops outside the very home where she lived and grew up.”

“I’m so excited about the whole day, and the fact that it is all happening in Nottingham, a place that means so much to me, and clearly did to Dame Laura, makes it extra special.”

Dame Laura follows other local notables to have a Nottingham tram named in their honour including writer Alan Sillitoe, playwright and director Stephen Lowe, and mathematician Ada Lovelace. The Dame Laura Knight was the last of Nottingham’s Citadis trams to be named. 

NET Marketing Manager Stephanie Moss-Pearce said: “NET take a lot of pride in recognising the achievements of those who have added so much enrichment to Nottingham life. “Clare’s book highlights what an amazing woman Dame Laura was. We are delighted to bring both of them together for the launch of The Night Raid.”