Wednesday 18th February 2026 to Sunday 8th March 2026
Venue: Chawton House
Explore the afterlives of the Brontës in this pop-up display of early editions and twentieth-century adaptations.
“Wuthering Heights was hewn in a wild workshop, with simple tools, out of homely materials”
-Charlotte Brontë
Emily Brontë’s now-classic novel is a dark story of obsession, abuse, and emotional cruelty, tracing the destructive bond between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Yet for generations of readers—particularly young ones—it has also been read as a fiercely romantic tale of two kindred souls whose passion defies society, morality, and even death. To mark the release of a controversial new adaptation of the novel this Valentine’s day, we’ve delved into our collections to explore how Wuthering Heights and the Brontë sisters have been read and remembered over time. Alongside early editions of the sisters’ works, this display draws on the Tony Yablon Collection, which contains a rich array of Brontë ephemera. Thanks to the work of our Library volunteer team, this material has recently been more fully catalogued, revealing everything from early twentieth-century playbills and newspaper articles to striking personal relics, including a lock of Charlotte Brontë’s hair and a fragment of her dress.
Included in the price of admission.