Blogs & News

: Full-day Weaving Workshop

Learn the traditional craft of weaving in this full-day workshop at Elizabeth Gaskell's House. Inspired by our exhibition on John Ruskin and Elizabeth Gaskell, we're offering this fabulous weaving workshop, where you can learn this ancient art - much admired by Ruskin himself. Join expert woolcraft and textile tutor Dee Sayce, as she teaches you this ancient craft, and create your own sampler, wall hanging or small purse/bag. You will learn: how to set up a simple tapestry

: Performative Talk: Songs of Work in Manchester and Bangladesh

In the neighbourhood of Oldham there are weavers, common hand-loom weavers, who throw the shuttle with unceasing sound Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton There are surprising links between the Lancashire weavers of Elizabeth Gaskell's time, and those of modern Bangladeshi garment workers.  Join Jennifer Reid as she examines Bangladeshi work song and its links to Manchester weaving songs, through an exciting performative talk which will include singing and field recordings. Jennifer is a performer of nineteenth-century broadside ballads and Lancashire dialect

: Talk: Peterloo 1819 – 2019

What are the Gaskell connections with Peterloo? Join us to find out, in this fascinating afternoon talk on Peterloo with historian Robert Poole, author of new book Peterloo: the English Uprising (Open University Press), and co-creator of Peterloo, a graphic novel drawn entirely from eyewitness accounts of the time. Robert's talk will mark the bicentenary, in August, of this major episode in the history of Manchester and of British democracy. Come along to meet the author and expert on Peterloo, and to find out more. Robert's

: Talk – The Travels of Cranford – cancelled

**** Sorry this volunteer talk has been cancelled***   Join us for a talk on the fascinating history of this first edition copy of Cranford - a signed copy once gifted by Elizabeth Gaskell to a friend, and which now has been returned to her Manchester home after more than 110 years. Purchased by the Gaskell Society, this signed first edition is now on display in the author’s House, alongside the fascinating story of the book's four owners. The book's two

: iPhone Photography Workshop

Back by popular demand - our fantastic iPhone photography workshop with photographer Adrian McGarry. Learn to take stunning photos with the camera on your phone at our Sunday afternoon workshop here at the House. You'll learn how to get the best out of your iPhone camera, under expert tutorial from Adrian. From camera basics to composition, exposure and editing, you'll learn the secrets of the pros, including indoor and location-based shooting, using the stunning surroundings of Elizabeth Gaskell's