âMemories and Memorialsâ: 75 years of Jane Austenâs House
This display commemorates the 75th anniversary of Jane Austenâs 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 â 20 Oct 2024
âHowever certain of an authorâs 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 Austenâ.
The Illustrated London News, 28 December 1946
This exhibition was curated to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jane Austenâs 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 Austenâs connections to the world wars. In researching this, we have uncovered some interesting aspects of soldierâs lives which help to challenge ideas that Jane Austenâs novels, and other recreational activities, were reserved for an exclusively female audience.
This display will run until 20 October 2024 and is free with House entry!
If you canât make it to Chawton, you can view an online version of the exhibition hereÂ