Blogs & News

: Online Talk: Wives and Daughters – A TV Classic

The BBC TV adaptation of Wives and Daughters was hailed as the rediscovery of a ‘forgotten’ classic when it was broadcast in 1999. The series featured a wealth of stars including Francesca Annis, Keeley Hawes and a BAFTA-winning Michael Gambon. Andrew’s Davies’ screenplay peeled back the layers of Elizabeth Gaskell’s final novel. The TV series reflected both the book's comedy and the pathos of provincial life. The classic novel and TV adaptation vividly portrays life in the 1830s but

: Online Talk: Missing Mother – Motherless Girls in Literature

Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Shelley, the Brontë sisters and George Eliot were all relatively young when they lost their mothers. Moreover, all of them create female characters who are affected by the loss of a mother. But is this necessarily a bad thing in literature? What are the drawbacks and the freedoms of being motherless in Victorian fiction? Starting with Elizabeth Gaskell’s heroine Molly in Wives and Daughters, this insightful talk looks at the importance of missing mothers in

: Online Talk: Valentine’s Day – North and South

When better to celebrate North and South than Valentine's Day? The groundbreaking love story of mill owner John Thornton and complex heroine Margaret Hale has captured hearts all over the world. The original novel and the TV series, adapted by Sandy Welch, tell the story of Thornton and Margaret as they navigate their feelings against a backdrop of industrial strife and class tension. This Valentine's Day celebrate literary romance and enjoy a closer look at the on-the-page passion

: Online Talk: The Real Wives and Daughters Locations

Enjoy a literary journey of discovery as Dr Diane Duffy takes you on a virtual visit to the places, buildings and landmarks featured in Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic novel Wives and Daughters. Extracts from Elizabeth's last book map the way to historic locations around Knutsford and the Cheshire countryside. Join us for a fascinating new insight into Elizabeth's final literary masterpiece. And enjoy some beautiful writing and pictures along the way. This intriguing talk will interest anyone who wants

: Online Talk: Wives and Daughters – An Introduction

Our special season of Wives and Daughters events begins with a special introduction to ‘the most underrated novel in English’. Elizabeth Gaskell’s final book tells the story of young Molly’s response to her father’s new marriage and its impact on those around her. Set in a small English country town, the book is a literary masterpiece of wit and charm often compared to Jane Austen and George Eliot. Find out more about the context in which the book