Norman Nicholson
Encyclopedia
Norman Cornthwaite Nicholson OBE, (8 January 1914 – 30 May 1987), was an English
poet, known for his association with the Cumberland
town of Millom
. His poetry is noted for its local concerns, straightforwardness of language and inclusion of elements of common speech.
in Cumberland
, on the edge of the Lake District
. He lived in the same house for most of his life and moved from his home only when he needed treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis aged 16, being away for two years in a Hampshire sanatorium. He wore large and distinctive side whiskers which gave him a slightly eccentric air. His writing career stretched from the 1930s up until his death in 1987. He was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1977, and the OBE in 1981. His works include the typically titled Rock Face (1948) and the later Sea to the West (1981). He is chiefly known for his poetry but was the author of many works in other forms; novels, plays, essays, topography and criticism.
Nicholson is not generally associated with any of the poetic movements of the twentieth century. Rather, like Charles Causley
, he seems to be considered more of an isolated figure, working on his poetry outside of the mainstream of poetic trends. Perhaps because of this, Nicholson's work has received relatively little critical attention. He is not without his admirers though. Seamus Heaney
has said "Nicholson's diction and images realise the texture and pieties of a whole way of life…. A domestic world of bereavements and nostalgias, riddles and catch-phrases, is caught in poems that are half-humorous, half-melancholy written in a relaxed and colloquial style." Nicholson was the subject of a South Bank Show broadcast in the United Kingdom
on 4 November 1984.
, Manchester
have bronze busts of Nicholson by Joan Palmer. A memorial stained glass window created by Christine Boyce can be found in St George's Church, Millom
.
Archive
Nicholson's papers are in the John Rylands University Library, Manchester.
Exhibition
Millom Heritage Museum And Visitor Centre houses information about Norman Nicholson, as well a drift mine exhibit.
Library
Nicholson's personal collection of published poetry was acquired by the John Rylands University Library, Manchester from his family.
Residence
Norman Nicholson's home at 14 St George's Terrace has become a health food shop and café with a blue plaque commemorating Nicholson above the door.
Norman Nicholson Society
The Norman Nicholson Society was inaugurated in Millom, Cumbria on 31st March 2006 with the intention of celebrating and promoting the work of this distinguished writer as widely as possible. Melvyn Bragg
is the Honorary President. The Society aims to be a focal point for appreciation and research and intends to encourage the publication of any Nicholson's works which are currently out of print. Talks and events are arranged throughout the year and a newsletter, Comet, is published and distributed free to members. Comet contains articles on Nicholson's life and work, information about events and original material from members. Contributors to Comet have included David Cooper, Neil Curry, U. A. Fanthorpe and Matt Simpson. Contributions relevant to Nicholson's life and work are invited by the editor, Antoinette Fawcett.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
poet, known for his association with the Cumberland
Cumberland
Cumberland is a historic county of North West England, on the border with Scotland, from the 12th century until 1974. It formed an administrative county from 1889 to 1974 and now forms part of Cumbria....
town of Millom
Millom
Millom is a town and civil parish on the estuary of the River Duddon in the southwest of Cumbria, England. The name is Cumbrian dialect for "At the mills". The town is accessible both by rail and an A class road...
. His poetry is noted for its local concerns, straightforwardness of language and inclusion of elements of common speech.
Life
Nicholson was born in 14 St George's Terrace, a Victorian terraced house and outfitter's shop in the small industrial town of MillomMillom
Millom is a town and civil parish on the estuary of the River Duddon in the southwest of Cumbria, England. The name is Cumbrian dialect for "At the mills". The town is accessible both by rail and an A class road...
in Cumberland
Cumberland
Cumberland is a historic county of North West England, on the border with Scotland, from the 12th century until 1974. It formed an administrative county from 1889 to 1974 and now forms part of Cumbria....
, on the edge of the Lake District
Lake District
The Lake District, also commonly known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous not only for its lakes and its mountains but also for its associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth...
. He lived in the same house for most of his life and moved from his home only when he needed treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis aged 16, being away for two years in a Hampshire sanatorium. He wore large and distinctive side whiskers which gave him a slightly eccentric air. His writing career stretched from the 1930s up until his death in 1987. He was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1977, and the OBE in 1981. His works include the typically titled Rock Face (1948) and the later Sea to the West (1981). He is chiefly known for his poetry but was the author of many works in other forms; novels, plays, essays, topography and criticism.
Work
Nicholson's work is characterised by the simplicity and directness of his language. He attempted to write in the vernacular of the common people in his native town. Much of his work concerned mining, quarrying and ironworks—the dominant industries in his area. Religion and faith were another aspect of his work. His poetry also abounds with direct quotations from everyday life, skilfully woven into the body of the poem. The opening of Old Man at a Cricket Match, is typical:
'It's mending worse,' he said,
bending west his head ...
Nicholson is not generally associated with any of the poetic movements of the twentieth century. Rather, like Charles Causley
Charles Causley
Charles Stanley Causley, CBE, FRSL was a Cornish poet, schoolmaster and writer. His work is noted for its simplicity and directness and for its associations with folklore, especially when linked to his native Cornwall....
, he seems to be considered more of an isolated figure, working on his poetry outside of the mainstream of poetic trends. Perhaps because of this, Nicholson's work has received relatively little critical attention. He is not without his admirers though. Seamus Heaney
Seamus Heaney
Seamus Heaney is an Irish poet, writer and lecturer. He lives in Dublin. Heaney has received the Nobel Prize in Literature , the Golden Wreath of Poetry , T. S. Eliot Prize and two Whitbread prizes...
has said "Nicholson's diction and images realise the texture and pieties of a whole way of life…. A domestic world of bereavements and nostalgias, riddles and catch-phrases, is caught in poems that are half-humorous, half-melancholy written in a relaxed and colloquial style." Nicholson was the subject of a South Bank Show broadcast in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
on 4 November 1984.
Publications (selected)
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Legacy
Millom Library and the John Rylands University LibraryJohn Rylands University Library
The John Rylands University Library is the University of Manchester's library and information service. It was formed in July 1972 from the merger of the library of the Victoria University of Manchester with the John Rylands Library...
, Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
have bronze busts of Nicholson by Joan Palmer. A memorial stained glass window created by Christine Boyce can be found in St George's Church, Millom
St George's Church, Millom
St George's Church, Millom, is in the town of Millom, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Furness, the archdeaconry of Westmoreland and Furness, and the diocese of Carlisle. Its benefice is united with those of St Anne, Thwaites, Holy Trinity, Millom, and...
.
Archive
Nicholson's papers are in the John Rylands University Library, Manchester.
Exhibition
Millom Heritage Museum And Visitor Centre houses information about Norman Nicholson, as well a drift mine exhibit.
Library
Nicholson's personal collection of published poetry was acquired by the John Rylands University Library, Manchester from his family.
Residence
Norman Nicholson's home at 14 St George's Terrace has become a health food shop and café with a blue plaque commemorating Nicholson above the door.
Norman Nicholson Society
The Norman Nicholson Society was inaugurated in Millom, Cumbria on 31st March 2006 with the intention of celebrating and promoting the work of this distinguished writer as widely as possible. Melvyn Bragg
Melvyn Bragg
Melvyn Bragg, Baron Bragg FRSL FRTS FBA, FRS FRSA is an English broadcaster and author best known for his work with the BBC and for presenting the The South Bank Show...
is the Honorary President. The Society aims to be a focal point for appreciation and research and intends to encourage the publication of any Nicholson's works which are currently out of print. Talks and events are arranged throughout the year and a newsletter, Comet, is published and distributed free to members. Comet contains articles on Nicholson's life and work, information about events and original material from members. Contributors to Comet have included David Cooper, Neil Curry, U. A. Fanthorpe and Matt Simpson. Contributions relevant to Nicholson's life and work are invited by the editor, Antoinette Fawcett.