Moat Brae: National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling
One of the best parts about researching a writing project is the opportunity to travel. My journey into all things Peter Pan as they related to Betty Bronson led me to Dumfries, Scotland and the opening of Moat Brae, a National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling.
The home of J.M. Barrie’s youth
Notable students
Born in Kirriemuir, Barrie spent most of his youth living with an uncle in Dumfries. Built in 1823, the historic Georgian home, renowned as the inspiration for Peter Pan, was saved from demolition by the Peter Pan Trust. After years of planning and renovation, Moat Brae opened to the public on June 1, 2019.
I arrived on May 29, and I checked into a hotel within walking distance of Moat Brae. Former director of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), Christine De Poortere, had donated several items from her personal Peter Pan collection to be displayed, and she created an exhibition entitled Peter Pan and the Power of Imagination. She arrived from her home in London on May 30th, and she gave me a sneak peek inside the museum where people put the finishing touches into making the opening a magical experience for families. We were enlisted to help, and we were given the task of arranging books in the reading room where J.M. Barrie’s favorite chair sat in its place of honor.
On May 31st, Christine invited me as her guest to an invitation only garden party, a small celebration in honor of a job well done to those who worked so hard to transform Moat Brae. One of the highlights of this day was meeting children’s author, Vivan French, who approached me as I explored. When I told her I had earned an MFA in Children’s Literature at Hollins, she asked me if I knew Elizabeth Dulemba, and it so happened I did. As we continued to talk about Hollins, we discovered another mutual friend in Karen Coats. Small world coincidences seem to follow me everywhere.
Opening day brought happy families, eager to explore the magic of Moat Brae. Joanna Lumley, spokesperson for this amazing facility, cut the ribbon and charmed attendees with her friendly presence. I could see the potential and possibilities in this interactive environment. Some of the highlights included a small theatre with a stage and costumes for children and adults to perform, a writing room for creating original stories, a replica of the children’s nursery, and outside, Neverland was re-imagined where kids could run and play and engage in scavenger hunts. In addition to the children’s centre, Moat Brae intended to open its doors for scholars wanting a retreat.
Unfortunately, Covid lurked just around the corner, and Moat Brae took a huge hit. Financial difficulties after the lockdown forced Moat Brae to close its doors in August of 2024.
