Talks Programme 2019

Posted
3rd April 2019
in news

The Elizabeth Gaskell’s House talks programme for 2019 shines a spotlight on Elizabeth’s writing, from gossip to gothic, with a lively mix of speakers on other Gaskell-related topics too.
Talks are included in admission, start at 1pm and last approx 45 minutes (unless stated). Refreshments are available from our Tea Room. No need to book just turn up on the day.

Sunday 12 May

Discussion: Elizabeth Gaskell’s Shorter Fiction: A Dark Work’s Night

Dr Diane Duffy leads a discussion on this thrilling story: love story or crime fiction?

Sunday 16 June

Father’s Day Walk and Talk: Meet The Neighbours (1 – 3pm)

Anthony Burton and Dr Diane Duffy lead you on a walk through the Victorian Manchester of the Gaskells’ neighbourhood, and introduce you to some of their local friends.Walk: 1-1.45pm. Talk: 2pm. Feel free to join in either or both parts of the event.

Thursday 18 July

The Silk Dress: Respectability, Luxury, Seduction

Margo Singer, textile lecturer and designer, talks about the silk dress as a motif in Elizabeth Gaskell’s novels and letters. Margo will also showcase authentic Victorian silk dresses and accessories – join us for a chance to see these beautiful items up close.

Sunday 4 August

Nesh Up North: Dialect in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Writing

Cambridge University PhD student Georgia Thurston discusses Gaskell’s use of dialect in her writing

Wednesday 18 September

Peterloo 1819-2019

Historian Robert Poole, author of the forthcoming book Peterloo: the English Uprising, discusses the massacre of 1819, a major episode in the history of Manchester and of British democracy, which has its bicentenary in August.

Sunday 29 September

Elizabeth Gaskell’s Birthday Talk: Elizabeth Gaskell and Gossip

The Gaskell Society’s Elizabeth Williams celebrates Gaskell’s sharp eye, sharper tongue and witty ripostes in this fascinating talk on Gaskell and gossip. Join us for a complimentary glass of wine prior to the talk as we raise a birthday toast to Elizabeth Gaskell, the Victorian queen of banter!

Thursday 10 October

Patchwork and Penwork: Quilts & Elizabeth Gaskell’s Writing

Textile lecturer Margo Singer talks about the patchwork quilt, as featured in both Gaskell’s novels and domestic life. There’ll be chance to see the Manchester Quilt, hand-stitched here by our own Sewing Bee group.

Thursday 17 October

The Travels Of Cranford

Janet Allen talks about the fascinating history of the copy of Cranford – a signed first edition – now on display in the House. Join us during Manchester Literature Festival to find about the book’s journey through the varied hands of its illustrious owners before finally returning home.

Wednesday 23 October

Talk: Bangladeshi Weavers Song

Jennifer Reid, performer of nineteenth-century broadside ballads, Lancashire dialect work song and traditional clog step, will give a performative talk on Bangladeshi work song and its links to Manchester weaving songs

Thursday 31 October

Halloween Talk: Elizabeth Gaskell’s Gothic Tales

Dr Diane Duffy discusses Gaskell’s gothic short stories at our Halloween lunchtime talk.

Sunday 10 November, 1.30-2pm (Remembrance Sunday)

Poetry of the Great War

Philip Watts will read and discuss poetry from World War 1.

Thursday 14 November

Cloth & Class: Paisley Shawls in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Writing

Designer and textile lecturer Margo Singer will talk about the importance and meaning of the Paisley shawl in Gaskell’s work. Take the chance to see our House display of original paisley wool scarves from the Elizabeth Gaskell Family Collection.

Wednesday 4 December