Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell – Your Short Season of Events
Posted
11th March 2024
in Events, Literature, news
Back by popular demand, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and the Brontë Parsonage Museum have a new short season of online events throughout May 2024 looking at the friendship between two remarkable literary women, Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell.
The first in the series of events examines Elizabeth Gaskell’s controversial biography of her friend Charlotte Brontë, author of the ground-breaking novel ‘Jane Eyre’. Secondly, Vice-Chair of the Gaskell Society Libby Tempest explores letters, writing and contemporary accounts to try and discover what held the friendship between these two extraordinary women together. Lastly, we look at how these two gifted writers handled their new-found fame.
All events are online and £5 per ticket with proceeds going to support these beautiful literary houses so you can feel good too! Plus don’t worry if you can’t make the date – just book and you’ll receive a link to the recording afterwards.
What are you waiting for? Take your pick!
Online Talk: The Life of Charlotte Brontë – An Introduction
The Life of Charlotte Brontë, written by Elizabeth Gaskell, told the story of a ‘wild, sad life and the beautiful character that grew out of it’. Yet it was not without controversy when it was first published in 1857. The first biography to be written both by and about a woman writer, it remains a classic of the genre. Join Susan Newby, Learning Officer at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, to discover how Elizabeth’s The Life secured the legacy, reputation and myth of Charlotte Brontë after her death.
This is the first in a series of events examining Elizabeth Gaskell’s biography of novelist Charlotte Brontë and the friendship between these two giants of Victorian literature.
Please note this is a repeat of the sold out 2021 talk.
‘These talks are always really good: they feel friendly, relaxed and intimate, whilst being intellectually stimulating.’ Visitor to online event
Wednesday 1 May 2024, 7-8pm
£5 per ticket
Book via link to Life of Charlotte Brontë event
Online Talk: Elizabeth Gaskell and Charlotte Brontë – A Friendship
This introductory talk explores the relationship between two giants of nineteenth century literature. Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell were opposites in many ways. Yet they were profoundly interested in each other’s work and lives. Their first meeting in the Lake District in 1850 led to a real friendship.
Charlotte had written the instant classic Jane Eyre and then Shirley, while Elizabeth’s astounding debut novel Mary Barton had been well-received. Vice-Chair of the Gaskell Society Libby Tempest explores letters, writing and contemporary accounts to try and discover what held the friendship between these two extraordinary women together.
Please note this is a repeat of the sold out 2021 talk.
‘Outstanding. I attend several talks and this was superb.’ Previous Audience member
Wednesday 15 May 2024, 7-8pm
£5 per ticket
Book via link to Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Gaskell- A Friendship
Online Talk: Elizabeth Gaskell and Charlotte Brontë – Fame and Fortune
Literary success brought great acclaim to authors Elizabeth Gaskell and Charlotte Brontë. Their debut novels, Mary Barton and Jane Eyre, brought them huge public attention. Both found themselves thrust into a new world of Victorian celebrity, alongside famous writers, artists and cultural figures such as John Ruskin and Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
So, how did these two gifted writers handle their new-found fame? Was Elizabeth Gaskell always keen for company? How did Charlotte Brontë’s legendary shyness affect her experience? Who did they meet? What did they think of them and what did the world make of these two very different women?
Join Anthony Burton, Gaskell Society, and Andrew Stodolny, Brontë Parsonage Museum, for a look at the celebrity world of two giants of English literature.
‘Really enjoyed this series of collaborative talks.’ Audience member
Wednesday 22 May 2024, 7-8pm
£5 per ticket
Book via link to Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Gaskell – Fame and Fortune
**Refer to your e-ticket for joining instructions and links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket. This talk will also be recorded and all ticketholders will receive a link to the recording via TicketSource after the event.**
You can also support the house by buying The Life of Charlotte Bronte from our online shop via this link.
If you have any questions about this event, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity no. 1080606) and all money gained through private tours, talks, room hire and ticket sales goes towards the ongoing maintenance and running costs of the House. If you would like to support the House with an additional donation you can do so via this link.
