From dereliction to delight: a new exhibition tells the story of Mancunian literary gem Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Literary museum Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a new exhibition that tells the story of how one of Manchester’s most important historic cultural venues was saved from dereliction, and transformed into the beauty it is today.

Running from 6 October 2024 – June 2025, ‘The story of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House from dereliction to delight’ will explore the building’s restoration and launch as a cultural attraction: an outcome only made possible by the grit and determination of the passionate volunteers who came together to fight, against the odds, for its survival. This exhibition delves into the personal stories and memories of those who played a part in saving Manchester’s only literary house, taking visitors on a journey from the building’s close brush with dereliction and the battles fought to ensure its survival, right up to its rebirth as the elegant museum it is today. From Janet Allan, who led the initial campaign, to Frank Galvin, the self-dubbed ‘House detective’, this new exhibition brings to light the personal stories and memories of those who played a part in saving this much-loved Mancunian landmark.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a quilt created by textile artist Dr Sarah-Joy Ford, an artist, researcher and quiltmaker whose involvement in the project was supported by funding from The University of Manchester – SALC Social Responsibility Award. The work was inspired by the stories and recollections shared through oral history interviews collected as part of the exhibition.

Dr Sarah-Joy Ford says: “I want the quilt to show how this amazing group of people, with all these different skills, worked together as a labour of love. Saving the House was a great example of heritage activism. These houses don’t save themselves, do they?”

Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd, Director of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, says: “Producing this exhibition and collecting all the oral history interviews has been an incredible experience. When I heard about all the challenges the volunteers faced to save the building it makes it all the more remarkable to be standing in this beautifully restored (and watertight) house, which so easily could have been lost. This exhibition is dedicated to all those who contributed their time, support and love to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and garden, some of whom sadly didn’t get to see the house opened in October 2014.”

The story of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House from dereliction to delight will open on Sunday 6 October 2024 and is included within entry price to Elizabeth Gaskell’s house, which is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:30pm (last entry 3pm). Entry is £7.50/£8.50 and free for children under 16. Tickets are valid for 12 months from purchase and can be pre-booked via www.ticketsource.co.uk/elizabeth-gaskell-house

For further information visit www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk