Elizabeth Gaskell, Celebrity: How she coped with fame

In ordinary life, Elizabeth Gaskell enjoyed a certain status in Manchester as the wife of a prominent clergyman. But she soon achieved fame in her own right, through her writings.  This talk, by Anthony Burton, explains how these appeared at first anonymously, then under the names ‘E. C. Gaskell’ and ‘Mrs Gaskell’.  It was not until the 20th century that ‘Elizabeth Gaskell’ emerged.

When she went to London in 1849 to encounter the literary establishment, she fitted in effortlessly.  The talk therefore goes on to consider how her character (as described by contemporaries) enabled her to take fame in her stride, without letting it go to her head.  Finally, the talk points out that, even if her name became famous, her face did not.  It was only in the 20th century that portraits of her were widely published.

Our Manchester meetings take place in Cross Street Chapel on the first Tuesday of the month, October-March (exc January). Everyone is most welcome to come along, members and non-members alike. Doors open at 1pm (feel free to bring a packed lunch) and Anthony’s talk will begin at 1.30pm.

Tickets are £5 for members, £6 for non-members. Simply pay on the door, or use the link below (no booking fee).

We’ll make a recording of this talk available to ticket holders for viewing after the event (we’re sorry we can’t live stream for acoustic reasons).  Book online, or give us your email address at the meeting and we’ll make sure we send you the necessary link.