Derwent Valley Mills Inspired Poetry
Over the years the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site has been used to inspire many different poets. We have shared some here for you to enjoy and be inspired by.
- From where it begins – During 2010 artists Matt and Rob Vale were commissioned to create a new video artwork, celebrating the beauty, history and variety of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
- Burn Bright by Emma Pass – Emma was commissioned to write a piece of poetry specifically for the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
- Belper Poems by Carol Brewer – A range of poems all about Belper including one specifically for children. These were performed at the Georgian Derbyshire Festival 2023 and are shared here in video form.
- Poetry inspired by images and artefacts from the Derwent Valley Mills and written by participants at the Georgian Derbyshire Festival 2023 in a workshop led by Emma Pass
From where it begins – Matt, Rob and Ella Vale
During 2010 artists Matt and Rob Vale were commissioned to create a new video artwork, celebrating the beauty, history and variety of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The piece follows a curious figure (Ella Vale) as she races through seasons, spaces, places and views along this fascinating and historic valley. Featuring music and words specially created for the artwork, this is a captivating and uplifting exploration of one of Derbyshire’s more remarkable sites.
Burn Bright by Emma Pass
Burn Bright aims to shine a light on women in the Derbyshire cotton industry, their contribution to which has not always been fully recognized. The poem also acknowledges the role of slavery in the cotton industry, and looks at how things have changed from the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution to the present day.
Belper Poems by Carol Brewer
Dark Red Bricks about Belper Mills
Proud to be Belper all about this important town
Streets of Belper
Silent sad mills speak to me
Grandma’s Pants – a children’s poem about the textiles heritage of Belper
Burn Bright Poetry Workshop Writing
The following poems were all written during an image and artefact response writing workshop led by Emma Pass -called ‘Burn Bright’ at the Georgian Derbyshire Festival 8th October 2023. Click the poem title to download the poem.
The voice of macrame twine Janet Philo
Ancient walls hold secrets Rachel Kenning
