Blogs & News

: Poetry-writing Workshop with Rommi Smith

Join us for a special one-day poetry-writing workshop with international writer Rommi Smith. We're very excited to offer a bespoke workshop with Rommi, who is the inaugural Poet in Residence for Keats' House, the inaugural British Parliamentary Writer in Residence, and John Barnard Scholar at the University of Leeds. Rommi was also BBC Poet in Residence for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, and Poet in Residence for BBC Music Live. Her work has featured on a variety of

: The Music of Elizabeth Gaskell

See for yourself the original hand-copied music books that belonged to Elizabeth, and listen to some of her music played by Robert Nichols at this free event. In partnership with Manchester Libraries, we are delighted that Elizabeth's music books will be on display at the house on Thursday 14 June, and that our house pianist will play from the collection. Manchester Libraries will give a short talk about the books at 11.30am and 2pm, and you'll be able

: Women in Textiles Study Day – The Gaskell Society

This Study Day run by The Gaskell Society will consist of a series of illustrated talks alongside examples of beautiful historic and contemporary textiles to view. A chance to see the replica Bronte quilt and the Manchester Quilt made for Elizabeth Gaskell House by a group of volunteers. The talks will include: Dr Deborah Wynne – Elizabeth Gaskell’s cotton novels. This talk will explore Gaskell’s literary engagement with the cotton industry and the women workers. She will also

: Halloween Lunch-time Talk: Frankenstein

“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” Mary Shelley, Frankenstein   Join us for a Halloween lunch-time talk on Frankenstein, to celebrate the 200th anniversary year of the book's publication. Bring your sandwiches - or treat yourself to cake from our tea room -  and make yourself comfortable in our Servants' Hall to listen to Dr Diane Duffy talk about Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, and its similarities with ‘the monstrous other’ in Elizabeth Gaskell’s  work. Free event, included in

: May Half-Term Family Fun and Crafts

The warm odours of flowers and herb came sweet upon the sense    Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South   Join us for a fun-filled afternoon with Forest School teacher Helen Russ. We'll be in our beautiful garden for a whole bundle of nature crafts and activities, inspired by the plants, trees and the wonderful outdoor space here at the House. If the weather's bad, don't worry, we'll take the fun indoors, where we have plenty of room for nature-inspired play