MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth this year, join us for an exclusive Textile Society visit to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton – the most treasured Austen site in the world.
We will begin in the Museum’s Learning Centre with an introductory talk on Jane Austen’s life, works and legacy, the history of Jane Austen’s House and the museum collection – with a particular focus on textile items such as Jane Austen’s hand-embroidered muslin shawl, the delicate needle case she gifted to her niece, and the handkerchief she embroidered for her sister Cassandra – which has recently been conserved and re-mounted for display, with help from the Textile Society.
After a welcome break for tea and cake, we will split into groups and enjoy a guided tour of the House itself, led by an expert guide. There will also be time to enjoy the pretty cottage garden, and the tempting gift shop!
About Jane Austen’s House:
Jane Austen’s House in the picturesque Hampshire village of Chawton is one of the most important literary sites in the world. It was in this inspiring cottage that Jane Austen’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her globally beloved novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Today, Jane Austen’s House is a cherished museum with an unparalleled collection of Austen treasures, including Jane’s personal letters and first editions of her novels, items of jewellery, portraits of her friends and family, and the tiny writing table at which she wrote her much loved novels.
Visitors can step back in time to 1816 and follow in Jane’s footsteps as they explore the rooms where she lived and wrote, from the sunny Drawing Room where she practised the piano every morning, and where she read Pride and Prejudice aloud to a neighbour on the very day she received her first copy, to the vibrant green Dining Room where she wrote, and the cosy bedroom upstairs that we believe she shared with her beloved sister Cassandra.
Travel directions:
Please refer to the Jane Austen’s House website for detailed information on travel by car and public transport.
https://janeaustens.house/visit/find-us/
Access:
Please refer to the Jane Austen’s House website for accessibility information and virtual tour.
https://janeaustens.house/visit/visitor-info/#accessibility
Chawton Village:
Find out more about Chawton Village and the local area, with additional information on food and drink in the village.
https://janeaustens.house/our-local-area/
Places are limited!
Tickets: Textile Society Members £25 including a lecture, guided tour and afternoon tea.
(Please note that this ticket is not an annual pass)
Book your ticket here on Eventbrite.
Non-members can join the Textile Society here:
https://www.textilesociety.org.uk/membership-benefits
Textile Society contact:
Dr Linda Brassington at chair@textilesociety.org.uk