Interactive app brings DH Lawrence's world to life

The app shows the life of miners, the industry which dominates many of Lawrence's books

A new smartphone app aims to bring the world of one of Nottinghamshire's most famous writers closer than ever.

DH Lawrence, a miner's son from Eastwood, found international fame in the early 20th Century as the author of novels such as Lady Chatterley's Lover and The Rainbow – which have since been turned into films and TV series.

Now, the town and landscape which shaped him is the subject of an augmented reality app which seeks to reveal his story to a new generation of visitors.

One of the organisers said: "He is still relevant because the themes he wrote about are still relevant."

Lawrence wrote about class and relationships in a way which scandalised some of society

The app is part of the DH Lawrence Festival, which has been running since 1 August.

The festival, which coincides with the 140th anniversary of the author's birth, has offered live music, lectures, readings and heritage open days.

Carolyn Melbourne, manager of the DH Lawrence Museum, explained why, despite the passing years, he remains a powerful figure.

"He is still relevant because the themes he wrote about are still relevant.

"Things like class, censorship, family relationships and nature, so it is wonderful when we can find ways to bring Lawrence and his legacy to a new audience," she said.

The app and walking trail take in locations like his birthplace and local pub

The app takes in the 1.5-mile (2.4km) Lawrence Walking Trail in Eastwood, where QR codes mark sites of significance to his story.

Ms Melbourne said: "You will be able to see portals, which will give you a snippet of the way it would have looked during Lawrence's lifetime.

"These show places like the Sun Inn, which is where the rail line which became the Midland Main Line was planned, and a coal mine like where his father worked.

"And another at the museum which shows the landscape of the day and the industry and the nature which Lawrence wrote so much about."

Launched by Broxtowe Borough Council, the app launch marks the final week of the DH Lawrence Festival.