Nottingham’s City of Literature accused Broxtowe Borough Council of ‘penny pinching’ after the authority closed Eastwood’s DH Lawrence Heritage Centre on Thursday.
The council says the closure is needed to cut costs and has promised to improve the nearby Birthplace Museum.
But it came under fire from the group which won the city’s UNESCO status as a centre of literature last year.
Alex Khan, cultural services manager for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “This is happening as a result of financial constraints on the authority.
“Although we are still carrying on the service at the Lawrence birthplace museum on Victoria Street.
“It’s sad – it has an impact on a number of people’s lives, obviously people have been employed here for a long time.
“But we’re looking at the future and how we can really push the birthplace.”
The council made the decision in September due to concerns over the £1.5million subsidy it was paying to keep the centre running.
Nottingham City of Literature chairman David Belbin, said: “This isn’t about a building, it’s about our literary heritage and how we use great writers to inspire new generations – from the county and the world. Notts needs a vision that embraces education, literature and tourism. Instead we have penny pinching.”
Born in Eastwood in 1885, Lawrence is regarded of one of the greatest authors in the history English literature.
His works include Sons and Lovers and Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and he is famed for highlighting the dehumanising effects of industrialisation.
He died in France in 1930.