What's On

Friends’ Open Day

Join us on Sunday 2 June from 11.30am to 4pm and see some of the benefits of becoming a Friend of Manchester’s Literary Treasure. Come along and meet some of the Friends’ members and the committee at this day of talks and events showcasing the latest objects in the House and Garden.

• See the latest exciting book discoveries and acquisitions in the study -11am.
• Take a walk around the garden with one of our garden team and hear about the latest developments. Our beautiful garden is at its best in June -12 noon.
• Listen to a cello recital in the Drawing Room – 1.30 and 2.30pm.
• Hear the story of the ‘della Robbia’ altarpiece the Gaskell daughters brought from Italy – 2.15pm.
• Hear the fascinating story of Margaret Gaskell, William Gaskell’s mother, as told in a ten-minute “Pen Portrait” at 3pm.
• Learn about some of the portraits in the House including a newly discovered photograph of William Gaskell – 3.30pm.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch in the Tea Room (pre-booking essential*) – 12.30 to 2pm.
• Take the last opportunity to view our popular exhibition about servants.
• View our autographed first edition of Cranford and find out about its remarkable journey, starting from Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in 1853 and finally returning in July 2018.
• See the ‘Manchester Quilt’ and meet the members of the House Sewing Bee.

*Lunch must be pre-booked and please advise us of any dietary requirements/allergies.