‘She was only Anne’: Letters & Ephemera in Persuasion

Barbara Heller’s special edition of Persuasion includes reproductions of the handwritten letters and ephemera cited in the novel. What did The Baronetage and the Navy List actually look like? What did the Bath newspaper print that tipped the Elliots off to the arrival of their cousins? Why does Austen tell us that Elizabeth Elliot had her “at home” card specially made? How do these tactile elements further our understanding of Anne?

In this fascinating talk, Barbara will share insights and images from her research, discuss the creation of Captain Wentworth’s famous letter, and explain the intricacies of the Regency postal system. It’s a new way to connect to a favourite novel.

Barbara Heller was inspired to create the letters and ephemera in Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Persuasion, and Anne of Green Gables by a desire to hold the characters’ letters in her own hands. Her career in film and television encompasses finding furnishings for many shows including Blue Bloods, The Good Fight, The Americans, and When They See Us; location managing films for Francis Coppola, Nancy Meyers, and Barbet Schroeder; and directing award-winning short films. She graduated from Brown University with a degree in English Literature and lives in New York City.

Details:
Date: Sunday 21 September
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £15

🏠 This event does not include House admission. Please purchase admission separately or use your Annual Pass if you wish to explore the House.

 This event is part of our Persuasion Festival, running from 12 – 21 September 2025