The home of the young D.H. Lawrence: A Literary treasure up for auction

On April 19th, anyone in the world can own a piece of literary history. The home of D.H.
Lawrence, one of the most important and controversial writers of the 20th century, is going
up for auction. Lot 52, 97 Lynncroft, Eastwood Nottingham, featured in our April auction, is
where Lawrence lived with his parents from 1903 to 1908 before starting his literary career.

The significance of this property cannot be overstated, and Lawrence’s formative years in
Eastwood, a small mining town in Nottinghamshire, shaped his writing and worldview. He
drew on his experiences growing up in a working-class family, surrounded by the harsh
realities of industrialisation, to create some of his most memorable characters and themes.
The influence of Eastwood is evident in Lawrence’s early novels, such as “Sons and Lovers,”
“The White Peacock,” and “The Trespasser.”

But “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” published in 1928, cemented Lawrence’s place in literary
history and made him a household name. The novel, which depicts the sexual relationship
between an aristocratic woman and her gamekeeper, was banned in Britain for decades
under the Obscene Publications Act. It wasn’t until 1960 that a landmark trial at the Old
Bailey cleared the way for its publication and distribution.

The connection between Lawrence and Lot 52, 97 Lynncroft, is a matter of public record. The
house is listed in various biographies and historical accounts as one of the homes Lawrence
lived in during his time in Eastwood. The property is a modest red-brick terrace house typical
of the area. It has three bedrooms, two reception rooms, a kitchen, and a shower room. The
property requires a full program of refurbishment.

The auction of Lot 52, 97 Lynncroft, has generated much interest from Lawrence enthusiasts,
literary scholars, and history buffs. The house represents a unique opportunity to own a piece
of Lawrence’s legacy and to be part of the ongoing conversation about his life and work. The
auction also raises questions about the value of literary heritage and the role of private
ownership in preserving cultural artefacts.

Auction House London has emphasized that it welcomes all potential buyers for the property
regardless of their background or intentions. However, there is no denying that a buyer who
appreciates Lawrence’s legacy and the house’s history is more likely to pay a premium. The
hope is that the winning bidder will honour the house’s cultural significance and take steps to
preserve its historical integrity.

The auction will occur online, and interested parties can follow the live bidding on our
website. The guide price for the property is £65,000+, and the final bid is anyone’s guess. Will
the childhood home of D.H. Lawrence find a new owner who understands and values its place
in literary history? Only time will tell.

In conclusion, Lot 52, 97 Lynncroft, Eastwood Nottingham, is a rare and fascinating property
that offers a glimpse into the early life of one of the most influential writers of the 20th
century. Its auction presents an opportunity for buyers to own a piece of literary history and to
contribute to the ongoing conversation about Lawrence’s legacy. Whatever the auction
outcome, this house’s significance will endure.