AS I WRITE this, we are just two days away from re-opening for 2020, and we can’t wait to reveal our new exhibition focussed on Anne Brontë, the youngest, and less well-known, Brontë sibling.

The exhibition is called ‘Amid the brave and strong’, and tracks Anne’s life: highlights include her poignant last letter; Charlotte’s first ‘little book’, which was written especially for Anne; a sketching block specifically designed for use in the open air and purchased by Anne in 1843; and some of her original drawings and paintings. 

In our contemporary arts space – the admissions foyer of the museum – we have a visual, tactile and audio exhibition called Go Back With Me by textile artist Lindsey Tyson and sonic artist/composer Sarah Dew.

Lindsey and Sarah are both Scarborough-based artists, and were commissioned by the museum to create works drawing on Anne’s relationship with Scarborough and Haworth, and her journeys between. Come along to look at, feel and hear their works!

February half-term isn’t too far away, and as usual, we’ll have free talks and walks, hands on history, and our popular Wild Wednesday workshop on February 19. This one involves making your own miniature garden with natural materials found locally. The half-term activities are suitable for all the family, and are free with admission to the museum. Check the website for times of talks, walks, and hands on history, or call 01535 640192 for details.

The final weekend of February is busy, with two very different events on Friday 28 and Saturday 29.

On February 28 we have Parsonage Unwrapped, with guest speakers joining us to talk about the fantastical imaginary worlds created by the Brontës when they were children. Academic Dr Emma Butcher (an expert in the history of children and war) and artist Isabel Greenberg (whose graphic novel Glass Town is due out in spring) will get close-up with our collection.

They will talk about the Brontës’ imaginary worlds of Glass Town, Angria and Gondal in this intimate after-hours event – this would make a lovely belated Valentine gift for a Brontë fan! Tickets cost £22.50/£20 and places are limited, so don’t delay. Book via the website bronte.org.uk/whats-on or call 01535 640192.

On February 29 we have a very different kind of event – a sharing of a work in progress by theatre-maker Sophia Hatfield. Sophia is working on a new piece of theatre called ‘I Am No Bird’, a contemporary exploration of the Brontë story.

As part of her research, Sophia has been running workshops with women’s groups, and the museum has supported this work, so we’re looking forward to seeing the first stages of the new show. Tickets cost £5, and the 45-minute performance starts at 5pm followed by an informal discussion. Come help shape an exciting new show!