After the Exhibition

Well, now that the Heritage Open Days exhibition, the Material Worlds of Jane Austen, had passed relatively smoothly into history, I may allow myself to breathe a sigh of relief! I was gratified with such a turn out - and to meet so many interesting people, with whom it was a pleasure to speak. I very much enjoyed both preparations for the event, and the occasion. 

The artist currently in residence at the Academy was unable to capture an image of the event (numbers precluding such an endeavour), though he intends to produce an illustrative record of the displays that might be accessed in that magical realm I believe to be known as the 'world wide web'. 

If any visitors did themselves make a visual record of the event, I would most appreciate copies! 

Much encouraged by responses received, I shall continue with my plans to hold Halloween and Christmas events, at which I very much hope to meet again visitors to the exhibition. I will provide further information and updates through the usual channels: this ephemeral medium (through the blog and dedicated pages); Twitter; and Facebook; as well as posters and leaflets, as soon as I am able to confirm plans.

Many thanks to those who supported and attended the exhibition.

'Material Worlds of Jane Austen' Exhibition - a Peek at Preparations

Despite some cross-over of material between the recent Festival of Archaeology 'Archaeology of the Austen Age' exhibition, and the forthcoming Heritage Open Days event, 'Material Worlds of Jane Austen' (Sun. 10 Sept., 6.30-8.30pm, Derby), there's been much to do over the intervening weeks - and still more to finish.

Developments include various improvements to the 'set' to enhance 'atmosphere' (such as installation of new lighting); acquisition of many new Georgian artefacts (such as tea kettle & coffee pot, and punch bowls), and other period sources (having found more illustrations to enrich the existing collection), for display; and clothing alterations (I have obtained more appropriate footwear, and completed modifications to my chemisette, though have yet to complete amendments to my gown, to make it more suitable for cooler weather).

My reader may glimpse through the keyhole to witness these busy beginnings by visiting this site.

Goodbye, for now!

Material Worlds of Jane Austen Exhibition: 10 Sept., 6.30-8.30 pm, Derby

Just a quick post to announce another upcoming exhibition by Mrs. Leach that explores material culture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries as part of her Jane Austen bicentenary celebrations: The Material Worlds of Jane Austen.

This free-entry 'pop-up' exhibition will take place as part of this year's Heritage Open Day events, on Saturday 10th September, 6.30-8.30 pm.

In addition to the material presented in the previous Archaeology of the 'Austen Age' exhibition (held as part of the 2017 CBA Festival of Archaeology) - which included a wide range of household objects, illustrations, and written sources of the period (in particular considering Derby and Derbyshire in the late Georgian era), the Material Worlds exhibition will display information on Jane Austen's homes, family domestic artefacts, and her burial.

As before, visitors will be able to handle artefacts dating to the late 1700s - early 1800s, and there will be activities that provide opportunities for archaeological analysis.

The exhibition will feature some of the materials, and examine various topics, that Mrs. Leach intends to incorporate within talks, tours, and workshops focusing on everyday life in and around Derby during this period, to be held over the following year (October 2017 - July 2018). 

The topics that will be considered in events that are currently under development are: for Halloween, Death and Burial; on the run-up to Christmas, Yuletide Customs; Love and Marriage, for Valentine's Day; for Mother's Day, Motherhood and Family Life; at Whitsun, a Summer Picnic, on Tourism and Antiquarianism; and in July, for the 2018 Festival of Archaeology (TBC), an Archaeological Detective Adventure. 

Participation in the above events will be by pre-booked ticket only (on a first-come-first-serve basis). Depending on venues (TBC), maximum numbers will be 8 - 15 persons, and minimum numbers 3-8 participants.  To be sure of a place, and to ensure that these events will go ahead, please contact Mrs. Leach ASAP to express interest; to book at ticket (it is anticipated that tickets will cost between £5-25 each, again depending on venue, and on whether the event includes a meal, refreshments, and / or souvenir booklets etc.); or for more information.

Mrs. Leach looks forward to seeing readers at these events.

'Austen Age' Archaeology Exhibition: Parking Guidance & Location Map

Academy Opening: Archaeology of the 'Austen Age' Exhibition - CBA Festival of Archaeology Free Event

Well, it has been a while since my last communication!

I have been extremely busy preparing for the Academy opening next month (I hope to post illustrations regarding this event soon). Although preparations continue a pace, I feel a great need for a brief respite from my labours, to revive my body and gather my thoughts – and I might as well chat as sit in silence!   

I shall put an advertisement in the local press (which, in my time, is the Derby Mercury), alerting prospective patrons to the commencement of Academy services. What do you think – shall this suffice?

The Academy will open with a small public exhibition, held between the hours of two and four o’clock, in the afternoon of Saturday 15 July (I shall elucidate a little further below; in the meantime, here is a copy of the handbill that publicises the event, for your appraisal). 

Unfortunately, I shall have to request that patrons leave their carriages a short walk’s distance from the Academy, as resident’s vehicles congest the narrow roads. Restrictions are already in place (due to the propensity of students at a nearby higher educational establishment to avoid paying the parking fee imposed by their institution), and carriages not displaying permits might feel the force of the local constable. I shall provide a plan of the location of nearby road-side standing for vehicles (no charge at the weekends) anon.

I must also note that there are no public sanitary facilities; and that hand-vehicles, such as perambulator, may find it difficult to circumnavigate the confined rooms of my abode, or be daunted by the shallow step into the property. But I shall endeavour to aid those with mobility difficulties, for whom (by prior arrangement) I may be able to locate standing for one small carriage closer to my establishment.

The exhibition not only launches the Academy, but takes place as part of the annual Council for British Archaeology Festival of Archaeology (as described in the pages of their virtual book – known as a ‘website’, I believe; I can only imagine that some kind of alchemy – or witchcraft – has brought about this baffling medium).

I shall now say a little more on the exhibition. This July we mark a notable anniversary of the passing of that talented authoress, Jane Austen, and over the following year, I shall commemorate her life with talks, walks, and workshops that explore the material culture and other attributes of her time. The exhibition introduces some of the material I will discuss during these events, using extracts from her novels and letters, and from early biographies, to consider a number of topics to illuminate everyday experiences in the late 1700s and early 1800s, from a Derbyshire perspective. For your perusal, I have prepared manuscripts containing further information:

But  I  must  now  return  to  my  labours,  and  ask  that  you  might  call  another time to see how the Academy progresses.

                                             Yours, &c., &c., Mrs. Leach