Calling all 21st century inventors!
The Lit & Phil is celebrating 200 years at home by inviting a new generation of creative thinkers to participate in a Little Inventors challenge!
This summer, the Lit & Phil is set to flick the switch of invention once more by becoming a hive of creative thinking for a new generation of North East pioneers. In partnership with Little Inventors, the Lit & Phil is inviting children and young people to respond to an almighty 21st century challenge: how to help wildlife thrive in our busy city.
The Lit & Phil holds over 200,000 books on all subjects from engineering, sciences to natural history and poetry. It is where Joseph Swan lit a public room with electrical light for the first time, and where the innovators of the day used to come together to debate ideas and demonstrate new inventions. As it celebrates 200 years at home in the city, the Lit & Phil is looking towards the future.
Little Inventors have run 4 school workshops asking children to come up with invention ideas to make city life better for our wildlife.
On Saturday 12th July 2025, we will unveil the three inventions brought to life by professional makers as part of a day of celebrations and creative activities at the Lit & Phil.
You can take part too by uploading your invention ideas to the website by Friday 13 June 2025, for a chance to have your invention drawing showcased at the exhibition!
This project is funded by the Reece Foundation.
Everything in the city has been invented for the benefit of us humans, from how we move, to where we live and how we enjoy ourselves - and so it can be reinvented to help our wildlife too. Could you make a lamppost better for birds? Invent a bench for wildlife to relax on? Or find clever ways to help us share the city with our fellow animals?
Go to the CHALLENGE now!