Dr Eleanor Houghton to Discuss Charlotte Brontë’s Life Through Clothes
January 22, 2026Explore the intimate history of Charlotte Brontë via her surviving wardrobe
A new online talk will examine the life of novelist Charlotte Brontë through the clothes she once wore, offering a unique perspective on the author’s personal experiences and the era she lived in. The event, led by Dr Eleanor Houghton, will take place on 10 February 2026 from 18:30 to 19:30 via Zoom, hosted by The Brontë Birthplace.
Details of the Talk
Dr Eleanor Houghton’s presentation, titled Material Witnesses – Charlotte Brontë’s Life Through Clothes, draws on her forthcoming book of the same name, published by Bloomsbury. The talk will feature a richly illustrated exploration of garments such as gowns, bonnets, corsets, parasols, boots, gloves, and shawls that belonged to Charlotte Brontë. These items provide insight into various aspects of her life, including moments of grief, the pressures of fame, and her family environment.
The surviving clothing pieces also include tiny baby garments from the house where Charlotte was born, offering an intimate glimpse of the author beyond her literary legacy. The talk aims to give voice to these material witnesses, which have remained largely unheard until now.
About Dr Eleanor Houghton
- Author, dress historian, and Brontë scholar
- Consultant for film and TV productions such as BBC’s To Walk Invisible and Gentleman Jack, and the 2023 biopic Emily
- Collaborated with the Brontë Parsonage Museum to create an exhibition on Charlotte Brontë’s wardrobe in 2022/3
Event Information
- Date and Time: 10 February 2026, 18:30–19:30
- Location: Online via Zoom (no in-person attendance)
- Ticket Price: £6.00
- Age Guidance: Suitable for ages 11 and over
Ticket holders will receive a Zoom link prior to the event, and a recording will be available to all attendees a few days afterwards. For technical difficulties or if the link is not received within 24 hours of the event, contact bookings@brontebirthplace.com.
Copies of Dr Houghton’s book Charlotte Brontë’s Life Through Clothes will be available for purchase at The Brontë Birthplace gift shop.
Further Information
For tickets and more details, visit the event page on The Brontë Birthplace website: Monthly Talk: Dr Eleanor Houghton ‘Material Witnesses – Charlotte Brontë’s Life Through Clothes’.
