Elizabeth Gaskell House

 

Elizabeth Gaskell House

Interview with Trustee Jane Baxter

Elizabeth Gaskell may not have always shared the limelight of Jane Austen and Elizabeth's friend Charlotte Bronte, however, her steadfast fans display an enthusiasm for her that can only be rivaled by the passions of the author herself. You only have to look to social media to find an increasing number of dedicated fans across the globe. 'Thornton Thursdays' have set twitter alight with images of the 2004 BBC North and South adaptation and gifs of the now infamous 'Look back at me' scene are shared, liked and commented on regularly across social media.

Why then, does Elizabeth Gaskell continue to remain popular with a 21st century audience? Well, aside from the detailed study of character and relationships displayed throughout her work, she highlighted the plight of the poor, while attempting to unite all aspects of a divided society, a theme that still resonates today. 

I talk to Jane Baxter, a trustee at Elizabeth Gaskell House. Jane joined in 2014 to work as a volunteer. A member of the Society, she has also sat on the Committee. She was part of the project team responsible for the restoration of the authors bedroom in 2020-2021. So, she is the ideal person to talk to about the author and how Elizabeth Gaskell House has survived an eventful two years and what direction they see the trust taking in the future. 

How has the Elizabeth Gaskell House weathered the lockdowns? Has it taken the house in a different direction?

     We very quickly developed a series of online offers during the first lockdown – read-alongs on social media, followed by online talks. We have found that these continue to be successful and well-attended and reach a worldwide audience so we have continued with these.

     Where do you see Elizabeth Gaskell house in five years’ time?

     We will have completed and opened our new Conservatory which will benefit our weddings and link the house to the garden. We will continue in our successful promotion of Elizabeth Gaskell and her works to a wider audience and increase both visitor numbers to the house and online.

     Why do you think her work has endured?

     Her work is increasingly being recognized for its observations on the social issues of her time including poverty, class divisions and inequality, which are still relevant today.  

     If Elizabeth were alive today, what do you think she would be doing? Where would she be placed on the shelves? Would she be a political scriptwriter, host a debate show, write for tv? What organisations would she join?

     She would be writing novels – some taking inspiration from people she knows and from current affairs and issues. She probably would write for TV and possibly film. She may also write plays. I also think she would travel widely and perhaps write some travel journals – maybe be a female Simon Reeve…!

     What social issues do you think she would raise if she were writing today?

      She would champion education issues, support equality in the workplace be involved in charity work locally.

     The BBC adaptation of North and South still has a growing fan base, what are your views on the adaptation and adaptations in general? Where do you stand on alterations and modernisation of novels?

     Sandy Welch did a wonderful job of the adaptation, and the alterations she made enhanced the novel without ruining or taking anything from the narrative. I think top quality alterations like her North and South make it accessible to a wider audience. 

     On social media Mr Thornton seems set to rival Mr Darcy, why do you think he continues to grow in popularity as a character?

     Thornton is a more rounded and complex character than Darcy. Whereas Darcy is almost just a “romantic hero,” Thornton has to deal with and overcome so many difficulties and challenges, apart from the romantic side of the narrative – the strike, supporting his mother and sister and losing his business.

     Do you remember the moment you first discovered Elizabeth Gaskell?

     I was always aware of her as I used to pass the House when it was the almost-derelict “pink house” which led me to read some of her work.

     Do you have any similarities to Elizabeth or any of her characters?

     I’m definitely not as talkative and gossipy as Elizabeth!  

WWhatever differences Jane may perceive between herself and Elizabeth, I can say that they both spark an interesting discussion! 

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House have lots of online events on from talks and tours, to workshops and book groups. Visit here https://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/whats-on/.

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