‘Memories and Memorials’: 75 years of Jane Austen’s House

This display commemorates the 75th anniversary of Jane Austen’s House opening as a museum. Objects on display include those which were used to celebrate and remember the opening of the House in 1949, and to discuss the work done to procure and renovate it.

8 Jul — 12 Jan 2025

‘However certain of an author’s immortality, most readers are conscious of the need of a shrine of some sort, a place of pilgrimage, full of memories and memorials. Just such an opportunity has arisen for the lovers of Jane Austen’.
The Illustrated London News, 28 December 1946

This exhibition was curated to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jane Austen’s House opening as a museum. Objects on display include those which were used to celebrate and remember the opening of the House in 1949, and to discuss the work done to procure and renovate it.

The work to acquire the house and turn it into a museum occurred within the historical context of World War Two. Therefore, this exhibit also explores Jane Austen’s connections to the world wars. In researching this, we have uncovered some interesting aspects of soldier’s lives which help to challenge ideas that Jane Austen’s novels, and other recreational activities, were reserved for an exclusively female audience.

This display will run until 12 January 2025 and is free with House entry!

If you can’t make it to Chawton, you can view an online version of the exhibition here 💻