An insight into Austen

WE SIT DOWN WITH THE CURATOR OF JANE AUSTEN'S HOUSE MUSEUM


This month, we were lucky enough to welcome Dr Mary Guyatt, curator at Jane Austen’s House Museum and general Austen expert, to give guests at our ladies luncheon a fascinating talk on the life and works of the author. 

Following her visit, we sat down with Mary to find out some of her favourite things about Jane Austen and what the museum’s plans are for the ‘Jane Austen 200’ year of celebrations. 

What is your favourite Jane Austen book? 

I have enjoyed re-reading all the books during the course of their recent and forthcoming publication anniversaries. I especially love Sense and Sensibility for its freshness and its imperfections, and I am in awe of the sophistication of Emma.

Why do you think Jane Austen’s legacy has stood the test of time? 

With her original portraits of English social structures, her strong female characters and her new forms of writing, Jane Austen broke the mould in her own time. If this maintained her reputation through the nineteenth century, it is the numerous foreign translations, film adaptations and worldwide Jane Austen literary societies which sustain her legacy today. Then, of course, Austen was also writing about the universal, timeless themes of courtship, status and family. Readers today are bound to recognise people they know in many of her characters.

What is one fact about Jane Austen that you don’t think a lot of people don’t know? 

Most people don’t know that Jane Austen travelled round Hampshire in a donkey carriage, which is now on display here at Jane Austen’s House Museum.

What is your favourite item in the Jane Austen’s House Museum? 

A beautiful handmade copy of Pride and Prejudice in Danish. It was translated, copied out, illustrated and sewn together by a Danish woman in 1904 who wanted to share the story with family members who didn’t read English. 

How will the museum be marking the 200th anniversary of her death? 

At Jane Austen’s House Museum, we think of Jane every day so in that sense 18th July will be a regular day. Regular visitors may just notice a few subtle changes to our usual routines.

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If reading this blog has got you in the mood for more Austen-themed entertainment, why not try our special Jane Austen package, running throughout 2017, including tickets to the Jane Austen’s House Museum, afternoon tea with us at the hotel and an overnight stay, from £128 per person? 

Additionally, on Sunday 16 July we will be hosting a special Regency Day. The celebratory event will pay homage to the Regency period and all things Austen with a themed afternoon tea and entertainment from the Hampshire Regency Dancers, all within our stunning 66 acres of grounds.

To find out more about our upcoming events, click here and to book your Austen adventure with us please call 01256 764881.  Photographs © Jane Austen House Museum 2017