Hidden in Print: International Women’s Day Event

Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant

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Hidden in Print: International Women's Day Event

The Portico Library, Chinatown
8 March 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

A sketch of a woman helping a child on her knee to read
The Portico
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Hidden in Print: International Women’s Day Event at The Portico Library this March.

The Portico Library holds a treasure trove of first editions by some of the most celebrated female writers of the nineteenth century, including Elizabeth Gaskell and George Eliot. But beyond these literary giants, its collection also reveals the work of pioneering female art historians, translators, and artists—women who carved out independent careers in a world that often sought to confine them.

In this illuminating talk, cultural historian and Creative Producer Dr Debbie Challis will guide audiences through the literary influences and social circles of mid-Victorian artist Ann Mary Severn Newton. Illustrated with rare books from The Portico’s collection, the event will uncover the reading habits of Newton and her connections to influential women of the time, such as art critic Anna Brownell Jameson and philosopher-translator Frances Bunsen.

More than just a glimpse into the past, this talk highlights the intellectual and creative networks that shaped women’s roles beyond the restrictive “Angel in the House” stereotype. Join us for a fascinating exploration of art, literature, and the remarkable women who defied convention.

What's on at The Portico Library

Cover of a book with a canal boat on it saying boater by Jo Bell
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Jo Bell at The Portico Library

Poet and now memoirist Jo Bell invites you to join her “for a friendly evening” at The Portico Library when she’ll be talking about her new “smart, funny” memoir Boater.

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Where to go near Hidden in Print: International Women’s Day Event

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Restaurant
Blinker

Elegant cocktail bar in the centre of Manchester, with a relaxed atmosphere and wonderfully friendly staff.

moose coffee manchester creative tourist
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Moose Coffee Manchester

Moose Coffee celebrates ‘the best meal of the day’ (brunch) in American style, with stack pancakes, potato hash, Huevos Rancheros and eggs any way. There’s always a queue.

Home-X
Manchester
Restaurant
Home-X

Home-X is the online spin-off of renowned Scottish-Italian chef Nico Simeone’s Six By Nico restaurant. This is geared around kit meals to cook at home.

Manchester
Restaurant
Pho Manchester

Pho does a fine line in pho, the noodle soup that’s a staple of Vietnamese street cuisine.

Manchester
Shop
Siam Smiles

Now based at the Great Northern, Siam Smiles is a food stop that’s hot on everyone’s lips.

Chinatown
Restaurant
Manchester Art Gallery Cafe

Summery bakes, seasonal salads and fresh light meals at Manchester Art Gallery’s in-house café, courtesy of highly-regarded Head Chef Matthew Taylor.

hunan chinese restaurant manchester
Chinatown
Restaurant
Hunan Restaurant

Hunan, a Chinese restaurant in Manchester’s Chinatown, may be a bit off the beaten track – but it’s all the better for that.

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Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners include Rosie Garland.

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Poet Mike Garry. Photo Paul Wolfgang Webster
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Word Central at Central Library

Word Central is a long-standing live literature favourite at Central Library and features open mic performers and a special guest, brought to you by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press.

Free entry
Cover of a book with a canal boat on it saying boater by Jo Bell
LiteratureManchester
Jo Bell at The Portico Library

Poet and now memoirist Jo Bell invites you to join her “for a friendly evening” at The Portico Library when she’ll be talking about her new “smart, funny” memoir Boater.

From £6.00

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