BRLSI Darwin and Beyond Programme Manager Martin Sturge
(pictured right) recently did his bit for the Institution’s Adopt-a-Book scheme by sponsoring the rebinding of a rare volume of Lady Anna Miller’s Poetical Assemblies. Since then he’s become so interested in the elusive 18th century Bath hostess that he’s giving a lecture on her life and times at Bath University on Wednesday 18th November.
Lady Anna Miller (1741 – 1781) was well-known for holding “poetical assemblies” in Batheaston, inspired by her experiences in Italy and France. They were designed to offer refuge from the vulgarities of Bath Society, and quickly became a feature of the Bath Season, on one occasion attracting no less than four Duchesses. Her introduction of ‘Bouts-Rimés’, a poetic game, started a fashion that found favour in the homes of novelist Jane Austen and poet Christina Rossetti, and swept well beyond England.
The lecture, which runs from 5.15 – 6.15pm, is part of Bath University’s GULP (General University Lecture Programme) series, and will be held in Lecture Theatre 8 West 1.1 (’8W 1.1′) on the main campus at Claverton Down. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.