Thursday 15 February 2024 Nigel West (OL78) has a fascinating connection to one of the world’s most famous literary families, and is using the link to help preserve a terraced house in Thornton, Bradford, where the three Brontë sisters were born. Known as the Brontë Birthplace, their childhood home is now a cultural and education centre. Nigel’s father, Jim West is descended from Charlotte Brontë’s husband, Arthur Bell Nicholls. After her death in 1855 at 38 years old, Arthur moved back to his native Ireland and took up residence in Hill House, Banagher. He bequeathed the house to his cousin Florrie and, after her death in 1959, she passed it to her nephew Jim. Jim passed it on to the church, and it has since changed hands several times, operating today as a B&B called Charlotte’s Way. In the early 20th century, a painting of the three Brontë sisters was discovered at Hill House, stuck on top of the cupboard. The painting – painted by their brother, Branwell Brontë – became known as the ‘Pillar Portrait’, and now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. In November 2023, Nigel, recently retired from his career as Programme Director at IBM, read about The Brontë Birthplace campaign. The project, fronted by Bradford-born journalist Christa Ackroyd and local historian Steve Stanworth, aimed to buy and restore 72-74 Market Street, Thornton, Bradford – the property where all three Brontë sisters were born in front of the fireplace. Inspired by his family connection and by the thought of what the space could mean for Bradford, Nigel became a patron for the project. Since then, he has helped raise £120,000 through a crowdfunding appeal – which, together with £250,000 from Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 and £240,000 of levelling up funding, means the Brontë Birthplace can be purchased and refurbished in time for Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations in 2025. Nigel says, “I went to Leeds Grammar School thanks to a direct grant, and then on to York University. Without that start in education, I would not have had the career I had. It’s amazing to secure the Brontë Birthplace for future generations.” “The plans to make this an important community place for Bradford and to coincide with Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025 is a wonderful prospect.” Nigel added, “What a joy it will be to host school children from across Bradford in such a historic and inspirational location, and to share the message that the arts are a powerful catalyst for change. I’ve already signed up as a volunteer for Bradford City of Culture 2025, and I’m really looking forward to spending time in Thornton.” – Find out more about The Brontë Birthplace campaign here. Image: Nigel West and his late father Jim West. Photo was taken at Haworth Parsonage in front of a reproduction of the famous ‘Pillar Portrait’, which was discovered at Hill House in Ireland Alumni
