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Writer Discovers "Lost" Victorian Author Years Later
1 Feb
Summary
- Young writers were unaware of Elizabeth Gaskell before residency.
- Gaskell's novels are absent from current school curriculums.
- New book compiles poems inspired by Gaskell's life and work.
A writer-in-residence at Elizabeth Gaskell's former Manchester home expressed surprise at her prior unfamiliarity with the Victorian author, whose works are no longer part of the school curriculum. Princess Arinola Adegbite, one of three writers chosen for their lack of prior Gaskell knowledge, found the experience deeply fulfilling. She penned poems inspired by Gaskell's enduring legacy and the atmosphere of her historic house.
The collective works of the residents, including poems reflecting on Gaskell's life and themes, have been compiled into a new book titled "I've never read Elizabeth Gaskell." This initiative follows a summer exhibition at Gaskell's home, which successfully attracted new audiences, including those discovering the author through social media.
Gaskell's House, which reopened as a museum in 2014, receives over 5,000 visitors annually. Museum director Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd noted that Gaskell's relative obscurity compared to peers like Jane Austen presents a challenge in engaging younger audiences. Efforts are underway to make her work more accessible and relevant through contemporary interpretations like poetry and plays.
