This summer we need your help to create a special exhibition to celebrate the extraordinary life of playwright Joe Orton and the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. For the first time, the exhibition will explore the fascinating aspects of crime in Orton's life and work including the defacement of the library books; his trial and imprisonment and his murder and legacy. The exhibition will display items from the University of Leicester’s Orton Archive including the Morocco diary and new artwork by Joe's nephew, artist David Lock, in response to the work of this uncle.
We need your help to raise £10,000 to make this exhibition happen. Together, we can celebrate the life and work of Joe Orton and continue to ensure that his legacy lives on. Please help us make this exhibition happen and get some great rewards in return. Thank you!
Follow our story...
Exciting update!
1 June 2017
By Tim Desmond
Local business pledges £5,000 match funding towards Joe Orton campaign Read more
A beginner's guide to Joe Orton
30 May 2017
By Tim Desmond
Ten interesting facts about Joe Orton Read more
A big thank you to all of our donors so far
24 May 2017
By Tim Desmond
Your support is helping us to create an exhibition that marks 50 years since a major landmark in LGBT rights – the decriminalisation of homosexuality and 50 years since the untimely death of playwright Joe Orton. Read more
Interview with Dr Emma Parker and Bev Baker
23 May 2017
By Tim Desmond
Getting to know our exhibition curators, Dr Emma Parker and Bev Baker Read more
Interview with Joe Orton’s nephew, artist David Lock
16 May 2017
By Tim Desmond
Getting to know artist David Lock Read more
Five great reasons to support our campaign
10 May 2017
By Tim Desmond
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of Joe Orton's death. Here are five great reasons why you should support our campaign to create an exhibition to commemorate Joe. Read more
With thanks to...
Justin Gamblin
Fareham
Anonymous
Julian Penniston-Hill
Nottingham
Beccy Spurr
Nottingham
Michael Matthews
London
Anonymous
Paul Bowden
High Peak
Anonymous
Anonymous
Hendryk Korzeniowski
Lancaster
Barbara Matthews
Nottingham
Genia Blum
Lucerne
Louise Clarke
London
Penelope Reeve
Nottingham
Ian Devlin
London
Anonymous
Tony Bates
Nottingham
Roger Cook
London
Anonymous
Anonymous
Mark Deakin
Dronfield
Alexandra Marks
London
Anonymous
Karin Koller
Leicester
Anonymous
Robin Fairfield
Hove
SHARRON PRESTON
London
Nikolai Foster
Leicester
Lucy Garnett
Seattle
Anonymous
Lauren Cooke
Snitterfield
Anonymous
Francesca Coppa
New York
Jennifer Mabbott
Dukinfield
Andy Churchill
Nottingham
James Pennington
London
Holly Bee
Edale
Becky Rawling
HITCHIN
elisabeth basford
barnsley
David Edgley
Nottingham
Anra Kennedy
HENFIELD
Maxine Jones
Kettering
Anonymous
Anna Capunay
Forest Hills, NY
Colin Mackenzie-Blackman
Wellesley
Kathryn Biles
Gillingham
Jennifer Spencer
Newark
Nicola Burley
Nottm
Anonymous