An Evening with Jane Austen
To mark Jane Austen's 250th birthday, Dr. Kathryn Sutherland gave an illustrated talk at Haddenham Community Library on November 13th to over 70 attendees about her latest book, ‘Jane Austen in 41 Objects’.
A leading Jane Austen expert and patron of the Austen Museum ,in Chawton , Hampshire , Dr. Sutherland encouraged the audience to view Austen through significant objects from her life, offering a fresh biographical perspective. Her book discusses items such as Austen’s muslin shawl, her small well worn writing table, and even the iconic ‘wet shirt’ worn by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Dr. Sutherland’s engaging presentation was both informative and hugely entertaining. Her book sold remarkably well after the event, with 20% of the proceeds benefiting the library, demonstrating just how much people appreciated her talk.
Additionally, live period music was performed at the event by local musicians Jamie Strachan, Vicki Edwards, and Doug Kennedy.
Thanks to Dr. Kate Kenedy—a local resident, broadcaster, academic, and musician—the Museum of Music History loaned the library a 'square' Regency piano, the kind of instrument Jane Austen would have played. Emilia and Elizabeth, members of Oxford's Frideswide Voices, bravely sang period songs accompanied by the piano.
Audience members browsed Regency-era artefacts and maps kindly loaned from Haddenham Museum while enjoying prosecco and period-inspired sweet treats prepared by Library Trustees and Waddesdon Manor kitchens.
All proceeds raised from the event go towards supporting the continuation and development of the Haddenham Community Library registered charity No 1148062
Our thanks to Carol Mason for capturing images of the event. Several more photos can be seen in the Galleries section of this website.
