Jane Austen’s House Museum is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary with a programme of displays and events this year, and the appointment of David Baddiel as its ambassador.
This year will see Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire, celebrate the 70th anniversary of its opening to the public.
A selection of the 2019 events
Event highlights include a series of new one-day events running throughout the year, including Director’s Talks and Tours, an Austen music workshop, writing workshops, guided walks and a special birthday celebration event.
On from 1st February until 31st December 2019, a display of objects and stories will also appear throughout the house, telling the story of the Museum itself. As they explore, visitors will be given an insight into the Museum, from when it first opened 70 years ago, to the ways in which it has been repaired, preserved and displayed in the days since then.
Among the other events is a guided walk on 10th May which will see visitors follow in Austen’s footsteps on a stroll through the village of Chawton, and a Summer Evening Opening on 25th June, which will provide an exclusive opportunity for visitors to enjoy the Museum on a summer evening after hours.
On the 27th July, the Museum is preparing to host a 70th birthday party. Entry is included with general admission, with further details will be announced in due course.
Also among the announcements for the 2019 programme is the appointment of comedian, author, screenwriter, director and television presenter, David Baddiel, as ambassador for the museum’s anniversary year.
Mary Guyatt, Jane Austen’s House Museum director, added: “What a proud journey it has been for Jane Austen’s House. Established as one man’s gift to the public in 1949, our charity has since welcomed over one million visitors inside the village cottage where Jane Austen wrote her world-famous and much-adored novels. We are really looking forward to celebrating our seventieth birthday with our visitors.”
Information for group visits
Groups of ten or more people must be booked in advance.
GTOs wishing to book a visit should call 01420 83262 to check availability.
For more information, visit www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk.
Image: Jane Austen’s House (Photo Credit: Jane Austen’s House Museum).
