Sewell Barn Theatre space for presentations, meetings and other private hire uses. Originally the barn belonged to Clare House which was owned by Philip Sewell, a local benefactor, from 1864 to 1906. Anna Sewell, author of the children’s story "Black Beauty", was Philip’s sister and lived in the White House, Spixworth Road, Spixworth. Philip owned a mare called Black Bess which used to draw his carriage along Spixworth Road and it might be supposed that Bess was the original inspiration for Black Beauty, and the barn a prototype for Black Beauty’s stable. The book was published by Jarrolds in 1877. Philip Sewell died
Amy Sewell City public school children studying ballroom dance, Sewell joined forces with film producer Marilyn Agrelo to turn her story into the hit documentary "Mad Hot Ballroom." Awards bestowed upon "Mad Hot Ballroom" include: Sewell’s books include: Sewell’s short stories and screenplays include: Sewell has also written the following news articles: Amy Sewell Amy Sewell (born 1963) is an American author and filmmaker, best known for "Mad Hot Ballroom" (Paramount, 2005), in which she debuted as a film writer and producer. Sewell is also the founder/director of a non-profit organization, Give It Up for the ARTS. The non-profit's main mission is