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Move to create Victor Hugo Centre in Guernsey

BBC Guernsey Information CentreBBC
The Information Centre was previously the States Office

A Victor Hugo Centre celebrating the Les Miserables and Toilers of the Sea writer could be created in Guernsey.

The writer spent 14 years in the island while in exile from the French emperor.

He wrote Les Miserables, Toilers of the Sea, The Man Who Laughs, The Legend of the Ages and Ninety-Three at Hauteville House in St Peter Port.

The Guernsey Information Centre, in St Peter Port, could be converted into the centre in a "privately funded" initiative.

The group behind the plan has suggested it includes a flexible exhibition, meeting and performance space, an exhibition of Victor Hugo's work, life and interests and his artwork and an education space.

Economic Development President Neil Inder said: "This looks like an exciting opportunity with the potential to develop a new, high quality, tourist attraction."

He added: "The Former States Office building is an iconic one, in a central town location that would appeal to residents as well as visitors and will provide opportunities to attract more French and international visitors."

Hauteville House looking out over St Peter Port Harbour
The writer's home was gifted to the city of Paris

Deputy Inder told the States: "What has been agreed is we will enter negotiations very quickly and the Victor Hugo society will likely have a period of time where it will have an exclusivity on the Victor Hugo site to allow them a period to raise the capital."

Larry Malcic, chair of the Victor Hugo Centre Group, said: "Victor Hugo praised Guernsey as a rock of hospitality and freedom.

"We're excited to... help tell the story of his relationship with his island home, celebrate his works and inspire future generations of islanders and visitors to advance their creative talents."

The celebrated writer of The Hunchback of Notre Dame lived at Hauteville House in Guernsey from 1856 to 1870 while he was exiled from France for opposing Napoleon III.

The St Peter Port property was donated to the city of Paris in 1927 and is now a museum dedicated to the author, attracting 20,000 visitors a year.

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