The Rising Down: Lives in a Sussex Landscape with Alexandra Harris
6 - 7.30pm
£15 (£13.50 for Friends)
[ Talk )
Join acclaimed cultural historian Alexandra Harris as she delves into the hidden stories of West Sussex, uncovering tales of ancient churches, country estates, and wartime secrets in an electrifying journey through space and time.
In this talk, Alexandra will be discussing her latest book The Rising Down: Lives in a Sussex Landscape. She will delve deep into the hidden stories and forgotten voices of this picturesque region. From the haunting mysteries of medieval anchorites to the vibrant tapestry of wartime resistance networks, each story serves as a window into the past, revealing the intricate connections that bind this landscape across time and space.
Discover the fascinating stories of lost local women, celebrated artists like John Constable and Ford Madox Ford, and the clandestine activities of wartime resistance networks. From the mystical landscapes of the Downs to far-flung corners of the globe, Harris weaves together a rich tapestry of historical narratives that will transport you to another era.
Drawing on a lifetime of reading and research, Harris invites you to explore the interconnected lives and landscapes that have shaped West Sussex throughout history. Through vivid storytelling and scholarly insights, she uncovers the profound connections between seemingly disparate places and people, offering a fresh perspective on the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Alexandra will be signing copies of her book The Rising Down: Lives in a Sussex Landscape, which will be available to buy at Pallant Bookshop.
Tickets cost £15 (13.50 for Friends) and include a glass of wine or a sparkling elderflower soft drink.
Our galleries, including the John Craxton: A Modern Odyssey, Tacita Dean: Crackers and Jake Grewal: Some days I feel more alive exhibitions will remain open until 6pm. If you would also like to visit the exhibitions, you can book your ticket at our reception on arrival.
Speaker bio - Alexandra Harris
Alexandra Harris is an acclaimed writer, literary critic, and cultural historian. She was educated at the University of Oxford and the Courtauld Institute and is now Professor of English at the University of Birmingham. Romantic Moderns: English Writers, Artists, and the Imagination from Virginia Woolf to John Piper (2010) won the Guardian First Book Award, a Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Duff Cooper Prize.
