Hampshire Cultural Trust and Jane Austen
We are proud to have in our care sewing items which belonged to Jane, as well as the most important, surviving item of clothing she wore, her silk pelisse. The estimated date of the production of the pelisse is around 1812-14, which coincides with the publication of Pride and Prejudice, which was and remains Jane Austen’s most successful novel. She would almost certainly have worn it on special occasions in the last few years of her life, which saw the completion of her last three novels, including Emma. Jane spent most of her life in the county of Hampshire and many collection items, including dresses, shoes and other accessories, are Hampshire pieces dating to Jane Austen’s lifetime.
2025
In the company of other cultural organisations, we are planning a series of events and exhibitions to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane’s birth. Visit our stand to find out more from Louise West, Hampshire Cultural Trust trustee and former curator at Jane Austen’s House Museum.
How you can support
Jane Austen born and died in Hampshire. Hampshire Cultural Trust is planning two new permanent displays celebrating Jane, one looking at her early life at the Willis Museum in Basingstoke, the other at Winchester City Museum, marking her final days.
We are offering JASNA members an exclusive opportunity to make a personal memorial through a financial contribution to either of these displays and/or a travelling case for the pelisse.
Donors, either individuals or groups, who give more than £500 will have their name recorded next to the display or on the travelling case.
We are offering JASNA members an exclusive opportunity to make a personal memorial through a financial contribution to either of these displays and/or a travelling case for the pelisse.