Media Release - Brontëana Surgery at the Brontë Parsonage Museum

MEDIA RELEASE - September 2009
For immediate release

The Brontë Parsonage Museum is interested in speaking to anyone who thinks they may own household artefacts, books, drawings or letters that they believe to have belonged to the Brontë family or that have connections with the Brontës or historic Haworth

Throughout October the Brontë Parsonage Museum will be offering free, expert advice on such material to people living in and around Haworth. In addition to finding out what important Brontë or Brontë-related items might still be in private hands, the museum is also keen to encourage local people to use the museum’s resources to find out more about items in their possession and have the opportunity to benefit from conservation advice.

This unusual move comes as part of a programme of community events currently taking place following a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to the museum. The grant will also support new developments to the historic rooms of the Parsonage in January 2010, including new displays focusing on the Haworth community in which the Brontës lived. Further information on this project is available at www.theheartofhaworth.blogspot.com

It is well known that various pieces of ‘Bronteana’ passed into the hands of local families following an auction of Brontë household items which took place in Haworth after Patrick Brontë’s death in 1861. Obviously we’re keen to know what if anything is still out there, but also to offer information and advice to anyone who is lucky enough to own items connected with the Brontës or Haworth in the Brontës’ time.

Andrew McCarthy
Director, Brontë Parsonage Museum

Anyone wanting to know more about items they own or take advice on conservation can contact the museum anytime in October. All enquiries will be dealt with strictly confidentially. In the first instance, contact Ann Dinsdale, Collections Manager, Brontë Parsonage Museum - mailto:ann.dinsdale@bronte.org.uk 01535 640198 www.bronte.info


Heritage Lottery Fund

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 28,800 projects, allocating over £4.3 billion across the UK. Website: file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/katharineb/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK61/www.hlf.org.uk.

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