Author Graham Watson will talk about his book “The Invention of Charlotte Bronte”, in which he examines the creation of the Brontë legend through the lens of Elizabeth Gaskell’s controversial biography. He also includes Charlotte’s connections with the Kay-Shuttleworth’s of Gawthorpe Hall.
Sir James and Lady Janet Kay-Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe Hall knew both Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Gaskell, in fact they introduced the two writers to each other. Their friendship with both women features in this new biography of Charlotte Bronte.
Based almost entirely on rarely seen private letters, “The Invention of Charlotte Brontë: Her Last Years and the Scandal that Made Her” by Graham Watson sheds new light on the dramatic events of Brontë’s turbulent last years of grief, fulfilment, and tragedy—and exposes the astonishing media scandal that followed her early death, when her friends and family battled to control how history would remember her. It presents a different, darker take on one of the most famous women writers of the nineteenth century, showing Charlotte to be a strong but flawed individual.
Join us as Graham discusses Charlotte’s life, writing, and death as well as his own research and writing of this book. Copies of “The Invention of Charlotte Bronte” will be on sale and Graham will be happy to sign them.
This event is part of ‘Charlotte Bronte day’ at Gawthorpe Hall celebrating her novels and life with activities, storytelling and crafts for children and families.
Author Graham Watson is a specialist in the Brontës and Elizabeth Gaskell, and he is currently researching Victorian literary identities at the University of Glasgow.
This event is in the Nursery on second floor of Gawthorpe Hall, accessed by the main staircase. Due to the historic nature of the building, there is no lift.
If the talk is fully booked please join the waiting list and we will be in touch if another is organised.
£8 per person, booking essential, includes admission to the Hall. Please click here for booking link.
