He is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language - yet he did not speak English fluently until his 20s.

Polish author Joseph Conrad, famous for Heart of Darkness, arrived in Lowestoft in June 1878, not speaking a word of English.

And now a "really exciting" new project is set to shine the focus on Conrad's "uncelebrated" links with Lowestoft.

Assessing the impact of people in Lowestoft upon the Polish author, 'Joseph Conrad – the life of a Lowestoft immigrant' is a new arts and heritage development project by the Voice cLoud launching in the autumn.

A spokesman for the Voice Cloud - which is a creative arts organisation committed to promoting the role and positive impact of the creative arts and music across society - said: "It focuses on Polish author Joseph Conrad's association with Lowestoft fishermen and his, largely uncelebrated, connection with the town.

"The project explores Conrad's arrival, in June 1878, at Lowestoft - his first British landfall.

"Through interactions with the fishermen, his command of English developed, enabling him to go on to become one of the greatest English language writers."

As part of the project, creative arts workshops will run for local people and Polish/eastern European communities between winter 2023 and April 2024.

Lowestoft Journal: The Joseph Conrad pub is named after the author Picture: Mick HowesThe Joseph Conrad pub is named after the author Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Led by professional theatre-makers, the workshops will talk about Conrad's life and works, promote group discussion and encourage sharing of perspectives on immigration.

They will incorporate research findings about Conrad's time in Lowestoft, including relationships he made, the influence of Conrad upon Lowestoft people - and they on them - and the positive impact of immigrant communities.

Combining the workshop outcomes with professional historians' research, a bespoke performance piece will be created, to be showcased in Summer 2024 coinciding with the centenary of Conrad's death.

Lowestoft Journal: The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, Lowestoft.The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, Lowestoft. (Image: Archant)

The first workshop will take place on Tuesday, November 14, from 10am to 2pm at the Seagull Theatre, Pakefield in Lowestoft.

The town's JD Wetherspoon pub is named after the author.

To register interest or for more information, call Stephen at the Voice cLoud on 07909 510976 or email contact@thevoicecloud.co.uk