Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books is delighted to announce that, from the 1st April 2017, Michael and Clare Morpurgo will become patrons of the museum, joining David Almond, Lord Beecham of Benwell and Newcastle, David Lloyd, Philip Pullman CBE, Michael Rosen, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Elizabeth Hammill OBE and Mary Briggs OBE.
Michael Morpurgo said: “For Clare and I to become patrons of Seven Stories is the equivalent of us both becoming knights of the Round Table – she is Guinevere and I am Lancelot! For Seven Stories in Newcastle is the Camelot of the world of children’s books. This is the once and future beating heart of all that is wonderful about story making and storytelling”.
David Almond said: “What a joy it is to have Michael and Clare joining Seven Stories as Patrons. Like everyone associated with this wonderful organisation, they believe that books and storytelling nourish, entertain, inform and inspire children, and that they form the beating heart of our culture. These people are true activists in the quest to create a better world.”
Kate Edwards, CEO of Seven Stories comments: "Michael Morpurgo OBE and David Almond are two of the most accomplished and influential writers of recent times. Both men advocate tirelessly and generously on behalf of their craft, and are public spokespeople for children and young people. Ensuring that the essential place of story and imagination in enabling children to be confident to explore their rights, reflect upon their responsibilties, and to ask questions is understood in all spheres of public life”.
Michael and David's endorsement of Seven Stories' charity is beyond value. David has been involved in our work for a long time, helping to found Seven Stories twelve years ago and entrusting us with some of his archive in our early days. Michael is also a long time friend, and donated his entire archive to Seven Stories in 2015.
We look forward to honouring Michael and his wife Clare as new patrons of Seven Stories, recognising their contribution to children's literature, along with their lifelong work to improve the life chances of children and young people through their charity Farms for City Children."