See manuscripts and letters by Bolton’s most prolific author Bill Naughton

Roisin Crewe | 7th March 2018

Bolton has welcomed a display of work from one of its most prolific authors – Bill Naughton.

The Bill Naughton Collection is a huge cache of manuscripts and letters from Bill Naughton, who famously wrote Alfie, Spring and Port Wine, and, The Family Way. A film adaptation of Alfie was made in 1966 and the 2004 remake was filmed partially in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, which was set up to look like New York.

Having lived in Bolton from 1914 until 1940, his life in the town inspired his work. He wrote hundreds of short stories, scores of radio plays, at least six novels and around twenty stage plays.

Alongside this will be the Mass Observation Collection, which consists of records that detail the town’s public life and annual events in the 1930s, as well as the specifics of ordinary people’s lives.

They were built up by volunteer observers who went out and about, listening to people, watching them and seeing what they did. The collection is of immense importance, both locally and nationally, as it shows the complex heritage of northern working class culture.

The Bolton Bullfrog Bernard Wrigley reading Bill Naughton at the Project Launch Nov 2017 (Karen Hope)

Nikki Wilson-Cook, Centre Manager, Market Place, says:

We’re so excited to invite the public into the world of Bill Naughton. He is a truly iconic writer and a national treasure to the people of Bolton. We pride ourselves on supporting and promoting local talent and are thrilled to invite the Bill Naughton Information Centre to Market Place to give our shoppers an insight into Bolton’s heritage.”

Spring and Port Wine: showing to a capacity audience , Bolton Little Theatre, Nov 2017 (Karen Hope)

The Information Centre is also hosting events including talks and discussions, creative workshops and displays of local contemporary art relating to the town.

The Bill Naughton Information Centre is open until Saturday 30 June 2018 every Thursday to Sunday, between 10am-4pm, in Unit 27b, upstairs near the entrance to Debenhams. For more details visit boltonmarketplace.co.uk