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Jane Austen 250 at Tatton Park

This year sees the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, an event that staff in the 18th Century Mansion at Tatton Park are eager to celebrate since nestled within the imposing Gillows-designed mahogany shelves in the library there are three first editions by this popular novelist.

Once owned by the illustrious Egerton family, two of these books, still in their board covers straight from the publishers were never bound, making them even more rare. Pride and Prejudice(1813), Persuasion(1818) and Northanger Abbey(1818), will be on display for the whole of open season.
Carolyn Latham, Mansion and Collections Manager said, ‘Jane Austen’s works are a firm favourite, and we’re pleased to be able to showcase these original copies with visitors this year. In addition, the library will host an intriguing complementary display of the books of Elizabeth Egerton by resident Doctoral Researcher Rachel Daley.”

Reading between the lines: Elizabeth Egerton’s books and social connections
Selected from the impressive library collection at Tatton, the display of the books of Elizabeth Egerton (1777-1853) curated by Rachel Daley, Doctoral Researcher, will include annotated texts and other books which show her connections with the outside world. Born just two years after Jane Austen, Elizabeth Egerton fitted the demographic of who Jane Austen was writing for, and this display provides an fascinating insight into the books she chose to read.
 
“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” Northanger Abbey

Known as a bibliophile’s library rather than being for show, the Egertons appear to have taken great pleasure in reading both fact and fiction, including romantic novels, having amassed a collection of 8000 books within the room itself with another 4000 in the rest of the house. Group visitors can book onto a special bespoke mansion tour with the exciting opportunity to learn more about the library collection and get up close and personal to some of Tatton’s most extraordinary treasures, including the first editions.

The Mansion will reopen for high season on Saturday 29 March. Jane Austen 250 will be on display from 29 March – 2 November.
Groups can enjoy fresh, home-cooked dishes using seasonal produce from the Tatton estate by arranging catering at the Stables Restaurant prior to their visit.
For more information on group visits at Tatton Park call 01625 374416 or email tattongroups@cheshireeast.gov.uk

www.tattonpark.org.uk