We’re especially delighted to welcome our dear friend, Frank Galvin, for our December illustrated talk.

Frank is a retired museum curator who worked for Stockport’s Heritage Service for 32 years: he was responsible for Stockport’s eight heritage sites and managed a team of curators, designers and technicians. His projects included the Hat Works, The Stockport Story and Staircase House.
On his retirement in 2011, it was a perfect fit that he should become involved with the restoration of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House – we were so lucky to find him! He arrived as a curatorial adviser, became a Trustee and then Chair of the Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (the Trust which owns the House).
Frank has always been very hands-on at the House and was actively involved in sourcing furniture, artefacts, fireplaces, light fittings – not to mention being personally responsible for repairing the plasterwork.

He has been a key figure at every stage of the restoration and development of the House and he has a fascinating story to tell… If you’ve ever wondered how Frank managed to create the lifelike fire in the Drawing Room, this is the talk for you!

Doors open at 1pm – the chapel will be selling tea and coffee, there’ll be some free mince pies and you are most welcome to bring a packed lunch!

The talk begins at 1.30pm.

All are welcome – both members and non-members. Member tickets are £5, non-members £6.

We’ll also offer online access to the (pre-recorded) talk for ticket holders after the event (until 31 December), so you can watch wherever (and whenever!) you are!