Closing Event: Jane Austen at GHT

Join us as we say goodbye to three exhibitions: In Training for a Heroine: Jane Austen's Travelling Writing Desk, No Notion of Loving by Halves by Jocelyn McGregor and Dear Jane: a Volunteers Showcase.This will be the last chance to see the live performance of No Notion of Loving by Halves, written and directed by Jocelyn McGregor. A warped, re-imagining of Northanger Abbey, the performance explores the multiple interpretations of Austen’s work and possible inspirations behind Northanger Abbey itself, particularly the purportedly True and Affecting Story of the Duchess of C***, the tale of an Italian Duchess locked in a dungeon for 9 years by her jealous husband that likely inspired the character of Mrs Tilney.We'll also be raising a glass to our brilliant team of volunteers who will be showing new work as part of an exhibition called Dear Jane: a Volunteers Showcase. Dear Jane includes a number of creative responses to the Jane Austen at GHT programme, drawing on the volunteers' experiences, refections and interactions with visitors whilst invigilating the exhibitions.This event will also be the last opportunity for a late-night viewing of In Training for a Heroine: Jane Austen's Travelling Writing Desk, an exhibition that tells the tells the story Jane Austen as a young, ambitious writer at the beginning of her career, the travelling writing desk symbolising a world of opportunity and possibility. Extracts from Austen's letters provide us with an insight into her life and her time in Southampton where she lived briefly in 1783 and from 1806-1809.Jane Austen's travelling writing desk, on loan from the British Library, is at the heart of a year-long celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in Southampton, and across the world. As well as exploring the exhibitions, our bar will be open selling a selection of locally brewed beers, wines and soft drinks. All funds raised will help us to keep supporting local artists and performers and will help to build a creative community around GHT.