I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell is an immersive exhibition taking over the Grade II*-listed Elizabeth Gaskell’s House all summer and into autumn as part of the ten-year celebrations, supported by patrons including Dame Judy Dench.

I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell offers a new view of the Victorian author and her work, with a contemporary approach as the exhibition flows throughout the Georgian villa on Plymouth Grove. The show is the culmination of a residency by three young writers who spent the spring months being inspired by Manchester’s only literary house. The writers (all aged under 30) were invited to immerse themselves in Elizabeth’s world, responding to her legacy in their own words.

Georgia Affonso, Princess Arinola Adegbite and Guruleen Kahlo each spent many hours at the house, including in the dining room where Elizabeth Gaskell wrote her novels, including North and South and Ruth, because she didn’t have her own study like her husband. Seated at Elizabeth’s writing table overlooking the garden, the three writers-in-residence shared her views and enjoyed the warmth of the sun, and this focal point is where the narrative begins.

You’re invited to follow the exhibition throughout the house, with the writers’ words illuminating the experience positioned in places reflecting their themes and alongside objects that inspired them – Guruleen wrote short stories, Princess created poems and Georgia’s play is available in audio format.

In common is that, prior to the residencies, Elizabeth Gaskell was not an author known to the writers, so discovering her world immediately opened up exciting possibilities. The aim of the exhibition is to engage new visitors to the house who, like the writers, might also be discovering Elizabeth’s fascinating story for the first time.

The project has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with The Writing Squad and Manchester City of Literature.

All areas of the house will be open, with the exhibition featuring in some of the key historic rooms, and entrance is included in the admission fee to the house.