World-renowned Birmingham-raised author Lee Child is being celebrated in a new exhibition that runs from Tuesday November 4.
Lee Child: Creating Reacher will give fans an exclusive look inside the mind of one of the world’s best-selling writers and his legendary creation Jack Reacher. It will be free to see in Grand Central, above Birmingham New Street Station.
Commissioned by Central BID Birmingham, curated by art historian Ruth Millington and designed by Matt Smith, the exhibition will showcase rare, never-before-seen material from Child’s personal archive and the Lee Child Archive.
Highlights include handwritten drafts, private photographs, book covers and fan mail.
Born James Grant in Handsworth Wood, Lee Child rose from local beginnings to global fame with his blockbuster Reacher novels, which inspired Hollywood films starring Tom Cruise and the hit Amazon Prime TV series featuring Alan Ritchson.
A life-size cut out of Ritchson, measuring 6’3, will present a selfie opportunity for Reacher fans.
Child’s 30th novel, Exit Strategy, launches on November 4, the same day the exhibition opens, making this a true Birmingham homecoming for the author, who will be present and signing books at Waterstones in High Street on that day.
Lee Child said: “I had a great time growing up in Birmingham, and I still love the place, so it’s genuinely a thrill and an honour that Birmingham remembers me.”
“This exhibition comes at a turning point for Lee as he passes the Reacher legacy to his brother Andrew,” said curator Ruth Millington. “It’s a celebration of a Midlands-made hero and the Birmingham boy behind him, inspired by local libraries, theatre, football and the city’s outsider spirit.
“As Brummies, we should shout more loudly about our world-class talent, and this is our chance.”
Central BID Birmingham Manager Steve Hewlett added: “Following the success of our Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath exhibitions, this is another brilliant way to honour a local legend.
“We’re proud to celebrate Lee Child and hope fans will come in to see the free exhibition and stay to explore everything else Birmingham city centre has to offer, from shops and restaurants to cafes and bars.”
The exhibition has been created with full support from the author.
The exhibition has been made possible thanks to the following partners: Heather Martin, author of The Reacher Guy, Penguin Random House, Transworld, and the Lee Child Archive at UEA, Bullring Birmingham / Hammerson.
Find Lee Child: Creating Reacher exhibition at the site of the former John Lewis in Grand Central, directly above New Street Station in Birmingham from Tuesday November 4 into December.