MAH17: Bad Language at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Polly Checkland Harding

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Bad Language at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

18 May 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

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Live literature organisation Bad Language has been the recipient of not one, but two Saboteur Awards (a record in the history of the award) in recognised for drawing stand-out headliners to their monthly free night, as well as programming events with authors including Booker Prize longlistees at high profile venues and festivals. Now, for Manchester After Hours 2017, Bad Language presents an evening of immersive storytelling in the beautifully-restored surrounds of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, where the interior is just as it would have been in 1857.

The city’s finest writers and live performers will read specially-commissioned pieces responding to the living history of the house; pieces on display include the desk that Elizabeth Gaskell, author of Mary Barton and North and South, was constantly interrupted in her writing with questions about the children, or how long to boil the beef for tea. The promenade style performance will give attendees a chance to admire the wool carpets woven to a mid-19th century design, or the window where Charlotte Brontë hid behind the curtains, too shy to join the company.

Performances 6.30pm – 9pm.

Where to go near MAH17: Bad Language at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Manchester
Library
Gaskell Society

These regular talks in both Manchester and Knutsford unpack the meaning and significance of Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing.

Manchester
Gallery
Chuck Gallery

Chuck Gallery is the first private art space in North West England dedicated to the promotion of contemporary African art in Manchester and beyond. Our focus is the provision of a varied collection of high quality, original and exceptional artwork

Pankhurst Centre
Manchester
Museum
The Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Centre houses a small museum and heritage centre that remains as a legacy to the Pankhurst family and the Suffragette movement born in this city.

Much Ado About Nothing at Victoria Baths
Manchester
Event venue
Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths no longer functions as a ‘water palace’ and Turkish Baths, but the Grade II-listed building hosts regular events and is a stunning visit.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Big Hands

Big Hands is the one-time haunt of legendary Manchester band Elbow; it’s shabby, loud and dark, with a jukebox and excellent roof terrace.

19 May – 1 July
Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-4pm
Free entry, tickets are available to book online

Please use the Parkside entrance to enter the gallery and café.

We are currently open for film screenings of our new exhibition, Imran Perretta: the destructors.

The Whitworth Café, Art Garden and Collections Care Centre are also open from May to June. The rest of the gallery remains closed while we install our next exhibitions, following COVID-19 safety guidelines.

We look forward to welcoming you back again when we re-open fully on 2 July with new exhibitions, and extended opening times, as part of Manchester International Festival, #MIF21

Visit our website and follow us on social media for updates.
manchester.ac.uk/whitworth 
@WhitworthArt

Winner of Visit England’s gold prize for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2016 and winner of the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year in 2015, the Whitworth was originally founded in 1889 as the first English gallery in a pa
Manchester
Gallery
The Whitworth

This much-loved gallery-in-a-park is open for business, showcasing some of the city’s finest contemporary and historic exhibitions.

Whitworth Park, Manchester
Manchester
Park
Whitworth Park

This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary provides a welcome patch of green in an otherwise densely populated and heavily used part of the city.

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