Blogs & News

: October Half-term Family Crafts

The leaves were more gorgeous than ever... Already one or two kept constantly floating down, amber and golden in the low slanting sun-rays Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South Celebrate beautiful autumnal leaves by creating a leaf mobile to take home. Our workshop is part of the city-wide Ruskin in Manchester, celebrating the legacy of John Ruskin (1819-1900) in Manchester, in the year that marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of this visionary thinker, with a programme of public events taking place

: Discussion: Elizabeth Gaskell’s Short Stories – Christmas Storms and Sunshine

It was the day before Christmas; such a cold east wind! such an inky sky! such a blue-black look in people's faces... Christmas Storms and Sunshines Cats, babies and sausages - what more could you want from a Christmas tale? "My dear, I wish for turkey and sausages. It may be a weakness, but I own I am partial to sausages." So says Mr Jenkins, arch-nemesis of fellow lodger Mr Hodgson, at the start of Elizabeth Gaskell's short story

: Discussion: Elizabeth Gaskell’s Short Fiction – The Old Nurse’s Story

 I had seen a look of ghastly terror on Dorothy’s face, which made my very blood run cold... The Old Nurse's Story Windswept fells! Ghostly organ music! Family secrets! Elizabeth Gaskell's eerie short story, first published in 1852, has all the ingredients of the perfect gothic tale: an old manor, dark secrets, brooding weather and ghostly goings-on. Want to find out more? Join Dr Diane Duffy for a lively discussion about The Old Nurse's Story - if you

: Online Talk: Mary Barton’s Manchester

**** Sorry this event has now sold out *****   Join us online to discover the 1840s Manchester of Elizabeth Gaskell's first novel, Mary Barton. Back by popular demand, Dr Diane Duffy will lead you on a literary journey of discovery of the places, buildings and landmarks of the city as featured in the book, with extracts from the text to map the way. This fascinating talk will interest anyone who wants to find out more about historical Manchester

: Summer Holiday Fun: Dame Wiggins & Her Wonderful Cats!

Dame Wiggins of Lee was a worthy old soul... John Ruskin, from 'Dame Wiggins of Lee' "Seven fine cats kept Dame Wiggins of Lee..." Did you know that John Ruskin wrote a book of children's rhymes about delightful Dame Wiggins and her weird and wonderful cats? Come and read these whimsical tales and create some simple origami cats of your own. And don't forget to take part in our family trail around the House, featuring our very own