Etchells Fellowship
The Etchells Fellowship offers Christian scholars, writers and artists time, space and community to develop their creative work at St John’s College, Durham. Named in honour of Ruth Etchells, the College’s first female Principal, it brings together creativity, scholarship and faith in the heart of Durham.
Applications for 2026-27 are now open
Applications are now open for the 2027 Etchells Fellowship. If you are a Christian scholar, writer, or artist looking for time and space to develop your work while contributing to the community of St John’s, we would love to hear from you.
- Duration: Michaelmas or Epiphany Terms 2027
- Eligibility: Practising Christians of all denominations
- Accommodation: Self-contained flat provided near Durham Cathedral (view details here)
- Closing date: 19 July 2026
- Interviews: Early August 2026.
About the Etchells fellowship
Etchells Fellows live in College during their term in residence, taking part in meals, worship, and community life. Through lectures, conversations, and informal sessions, they share insights from their work and contribute to the creative and spiritual life of the College.
About Ruth Etchells
The Fellowship commemorates Ruth Etchells (1931–2012), poet, literary scholar, theologian and former Principal of St John’s College. A pioneering leader, she became the first woman and first lay person to lead an Anglican theological college, helping to shape St John’s as a place of academic excellence, creative thought and generous Christian faith.
Ruth published widely on literature, theology and spirituality, alongside several collections of prayers, reflecting the breadth of her intellectual and creative interests. Explore her bibliography to discover more about her published work, or read her obituary to learn more about her life and legacy.
Overview of the fellowship
The Etchells Fellowship is normally held for one University term. During this time, the Fellow lives at St John’s as a full member of the College community, with ample time and space to focus on their own creative work while sharing in the intellectual, cultural and spiritual life of the College.
Fellows are encouraged to engage with students from across St John’s and Cranmer Hall through conversation, consultation and events, to share meals in College, participate in Chapel and community life, and contribute their own creative insights to the wider St John’s community.
Fellowship commitments
- Public lecture – Deliver a public lecture during the Fellowship, open to the College, University and wider community.
- Creative seminar – Lead an informal evening seminar or workshop for local writers, artists and creatives, encouraging conversation beyond the University.
- Student engagement – Offer one or two hours of weekly consultation time (normally on Wednesday afternoons, outside teaching hours) for students wishing to discuss their own writing or creative work.
- College community – Take an active part in the life of St John’s, including participation in the Senior Common Room, shared meals and College events.
- Code of Conduct – Abide by the Senior Members’ Code of Conduct throughout the Fellowship.
I have particularly enjoyed leading weekly creative writing sessions in the college – opening up imaginations, and demonstrating new ways of approaching and representing the self in the world. It has also been a pleasure to read my work at various events throughout the term, adding ‘texture’ to the college experience.
Rachel Goodman, Etchells Fellow 2026
It was an inspiring time for me as a playwright and scriptwriter, during which the Ruth Etchells Fellowship enabled me to give performances, hold seminars and workshops and develop a number of fruitful relationships with the students which continue to this day. The place of the arts and creativity are an indispensable part of ministry, and neglected at our peril.
Richard Everett, Etchells Fellow 2017
The ‘Ruth Etchells Fellowship’ provided me with a very valuable opportunity to further my own writing, but perhaps even more rewarding was the chance to work with undergraduates, postgraduates and (sometimes) staff on their creative writing projects. I especially enjoyed the Wednesday afternoon ‘drop in’ sessions, when we had the chance to do some creative writing exercises, as well as look at one another’s work and offer encouragement and helpful criticism.
Judith Stevenson, Etchells Fellow 2024
Get in touch
Drop us a line for enquiries about the fellowship and upcoming events and opportunities.
Email: [email protected]
St John’s College, Durham
3 South Bailey
Durham DH1 3RJ
In the John's Chronicle
27 March 2026
Rachel Goodman: Being the Etchells Fellow
Rachel Goodman reflects on her time as Etchells Fellow at St John’s. In 1978, a girl arrived at Durham Station on a foggy November day for an interview at Trevelyan College. She was nervous, having had a bruising interview at Cambridge (who subsequently rejected her). She got a taxi to Trevs, and was warmly welcomed by Acting Principal […]
8 March 2023
Tribute to Ruth Etchells from a former JCR President
Alumna Joëlle Warren reflects on her time as JCR President (1983-84) and pays tribute to the leadership of then Principal Ruth Etchells. Winning the election against RON was a less than exciting start, but it was the move to the coveted Presidential suite, being invited to all the College balls, joining numerous committees including the […]
21 July 2022
Lizzi Kew Ross: My Time at St John’s
Lizzi Kew Ross is a dancer, choreographer and teacher, and artistic director of LKR & Co, a dance company specialising in site specific dance music performances. Read about her experiences from her time as Visiting Fellow in residence at St John’s during Easter term 2022.