Jane Austen's World

Inquiring readers: The information about this exhibit makes me wish I was in the UK to see it. To view a first edition of Pride and Prejudice would make my mouth water. Enjoy the images and the information. 

Georgian era of light and shade explored at

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum

• Artworks, costume and literature tell the conflicting stories of the Georgian era
• Includes a first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice on loan from a private lender
• Exhibition brings together artefacts and stories from across Regency Worcester
• Opens 18 January until 28 March, free entry.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum presents a new exhibition exploring the fact and the fiction behind one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods of British history. Georgians: the Pride and the Prejudice is designed to lead the viewer on a Grand Tour of Regency Worcester, taking in the beautiful landscapes, exquisite interiors and pass-times of the Bennetts and Darcy’s of the city, emerging into the wider world to see at what cost the pursuit of pleasure and elegance. The exhibition opens 18 January until 28 March and entry is free.

The exhibition brings together for the first time a wealth of art and artefacts from the museum’s own collections including works by John Downman, one of the most popular watercolour portraitists of the late 18th century, and the renowned pastelist John Russell, as well as Georgian costume, a rare Erard harp and a stunning Sedan chair, together with a first edition of Pride and Prejudice from a private lender.

Image of the first edition pride and prejudice – volume 1, 2, and 3: courtesy of the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

Georgian gentleman in Georgians exhibition reading first edition pride and prejudice with artwork; courtesy of the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

The Georgian period captivates an audience like no other. The grandeur of the architecture, the extravagance of the fashion and the intricacies of the social etiquette create a wonderful image of elegance and exuberance which has been celebrated time and time again in literature, television and film. The exhibition begins in Regency Worcester but ends with a glimpse into the fragile reality upon which it was built. Behind the extravagances of the Georgian period was the exploitation of people, in plantations, in the colonies or in the factories and slums.

Georgian costumes and a sedan chair: Image courtesy of the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

Costume from Museum Worcestershire collection: courtesy of the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

Exhibition Curator Claire Cheshire said: “This exhibition celebrates Worcester’s landscapes and its trades. In fine houses across the country there would have been Royal Worcester porcelain, gloves, and even Worcester-made bricks. Georgians: the Pride and the Prejudice will be a visual delight for all visitors.”

Shoes from Museum Worcestershire collection: courtesy of the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

Georgians: the Pride and the Prejudice is free and runs from 18 January until 28 March, more information can be found here: www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

For a more in-depth look at the exhibition and to discover some of the stories behind the objects on display join a Curators Tour on 16^th March, 11.30 a.m. No booking needed. £3 per person.

Georgians: the Pride and the Prejudice

18 January until 28 March 2020

FREE ENTRY

Exploring the fact and the fiction behind one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods of British history through artworks, costume and literature.

Costume from Museum Worcestershire collection: courtesy of the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum. Permission given, no names.

11^th February

Bite sized talk – Georgians: the Pride and the Prejudice – the stories behind the objects

1-1.30pm. £3

16^th March Curators tour of the exhibition

11.30am. £3

Open Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum

Foregate Street

Worcester WR1 1DT

Tel: 01905 25371

About Museums Worcestershire
Museums Worcestershire is the joint museum service of Worcester City and Worcestershire County Councils. It comprises three fantastic venues–Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, the Commandery in Worcester and The County Museum at Hartlebury Castle.

The collections and exhibitions at our sites are many and varied, covering centuries of the county’s history right up to the present day. Thousands of objects, including the historic buildings themselves, are brought to life through innovative exhibitions and events throughout the year.

www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk