Blogs & News

: Online Talk: At Home with Elizabeth Gaskell

’of all the weary, killing wearing out bustles in this life that of the last week passed all belief’. Elizabeth Gaskell to her friend Eliza Fox, 1852 As part of the 10 year anniversary celebrations of the opening of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, we’re celebrating the home life of this incredible writer. Elizabeth Gaskell was a modern woman in many ways. She managed a hugely successful writing career, was a hands-on mother to four girls and supported her husband’s

: Online Tour: Restoring Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

As part of the 10-year anniversary celebrations of the opening of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, you can experience Manchester’s literary heritage brought to life. Enjoy a special online tour by the 'House Detective' Frank Galvin MBE. Using 360-degree photography our expert guide reveals the true story of restoring Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. This unique tour will explore how the House was brought back from the brink by expert skills and exacting historic research. And all brought to you by one

: Online Talk: Celebrating a Victorian Christmas – Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë and more

Step into the festive season to discover how some of your favourite Victorian writers celebrated Christmas, from Elizabeth Gaskell’s ‘jollification for the servants’ to that original master of yuletide writing, Charles Dickens. We take a look at Boxing Day magic tricks with Dickens as he turns ‘ladies' handkerchiefs into candies’ and find that even Poet Laureate Alfred Tennyson enjoyed a live author’s reading of the classic A Christmas Carol. What did Charlotte Brontë give to her husband’s congregation?

: Online Talk: Redemption through Divine Motherhood in Ruth – Religion in Victorian Literature

In a world not built for women, we take a radical new look at religion and redemption in Victorian literature. Starting with Elizabeth Gaskell’s groundbreaking novel Ruth, this online talk will reveal the revisionary use of Christian imagery and themes in the scandalous story of teenage motherhood. Then we will take a look at similar ideas of 'God as a mother'. Discover a fresh look at a range of authors from popular favourites like Charlottë Bronte and Harriet

: Online Talk: North and South – Fashion in the TV Classic

Join Gabby Monet as she takes you on a fabulous fashion journey. You can find out more about the tv adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic North and South. Take a peek at what characters like Margaret Hale would have worn in the 1850s, from large skirts to beautiful bonnets in an age of clothing colour and luxury. Find out about the popular female silhouette, the latest hairstyles and the stunning new colour dyes that transformed fashion. The talk