Description
In 1853 Elizabeth Gaskell brought out her novel Ruth about a teenage seamstress. Her city of Manchester was at the centre of the global cotton trade and her country was on the brink of the Crimean War. Unquestionably, public opinion was divided over class conflict and international events.
Art and literature reflected concerns about the working and living conditions, and fears about the morality of seamstresses. Black Abolitionists on tour from America laid bare the links between Manchester’s cotton mills and the horrors of plantation slavery to British audiences.
So, how was Elizabeth Gaskell linked to these African-American campaigners? How were Unitarians involved in supporting their public appearances? And how did Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel emerge from this heady mix of international conflict and calls for justice and social change? Dr Ingrid Hanson from the University of Manchester looks at the figure of the seamstress, abolitionist campaigns and the global connections of Manchester on the edge of war.
‘Ingrid Hanson’s knowledge of the material was amazing; wonderful grasp of material; compelling presentation, interesting insights.’ Visitor to previous event.
This talk was originally recorded as part of our Ruth season of online events.
Recorded June 2025.
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Celebrating the life and literature of Elizabeth Gaskell, Manchester’s most famous Victorian writer. A restored Victorian middle-class house in the heart of a UNESCO City of Literature.
House, Garden and Tea Room open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11am-4.30pm (last entry 3pm). Second-hand books also on sale from the House.
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