A free exhibition celebrating Birmingham-raised, world-renowned author Lee Child and his legendary creation, Jack Reacher, comes to the city this November.

Opening Tue 4 Nov at Grand Central, Lee Child: Creating Reacher will give fans an exclusive look inside the mind of one of the world’s best-selling writers. Commissioned by Central BID Birmingham and curated by art historian Ruth Millington, the exhibition will showcase rare, never-before-seen material from Child’s personal archive and the Lee Child Archive.

Highlights include handwritten drafts, private photographs, book covers and fan mail, all with the author’s direct involvement.

Born James Grant in Handsworth Wood, Lee Child rose from local beginnings to global fame with his blockbuster Reacher novels, which inspired Hollywood films starring Tom Cruise and the hit Amazon Prime TV series featuring Alan Ritchson.

Child’s 30th novel, Exit Strategy, launches on the same day the exhibition opens, making this a true Birmingham homecoming for the author, who will be present and signing books on that day.

“This exhibition comes at a turning point for Lee as he passes the Reacher legacy to his brother Andrew,” said curator Ruth Millington. “It’s a celebration of a Midlands-made hero and the Birmingham boy behind him, inspired by local libraries, theatre, football and the city’s outsider spirit. As Brummies, we should shout more loudly about our world-class talent, and this is our chance.”

Lee Child has said: “I had a great time growing up in Birmingham, and I still love the place, so it’s genuinely a thrill and an honour that Birmingham remembers me.”

Central BID Birmingham Manager Steve Hewlett added: “Following the success of our Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath exhibitions, this is another brilliant way to honour a local legend. We’re proud to celebrate Lee Child and hope fans will come in to see the free exhibition and stay to explore everything else Birmingham city centre has to offer, from shops and restaurants to cafes and bars.”

Lee Child: Creating Reacher opens at Grand Central, above New Street Station, from Tue 4 Nov and is free to visit.

Featured image: Lee Child © Axel Dupeux