Monday 17th May 2021 to Sunday 29th August 2021

Venue: Chawton House

In March 2020, as the country entered full lockdown Chawton House temporarily closed its doors. Forced to stay at home, many of us returned to traditional ways of occupying our time, making things with our hands, growing plants in the garden, or picking up a pen and starting to write. These activities have a long history at Chawton House, where generations of the Austen and Knight families entertained themselves with creative pursuits: whether through literature, embroidery and lace-making or painting, sketching and more.

As we worked to bring Chawton House to you remotely, many of our volunteers used their deep knowledge of the house and gardens as inspiration for a creative project. The result is Made in Lockdown, an exhibition that runs throughout Chawton House, showcasing poetry, arts, crafts and other imaginative projects created during lockdown. In their own words, volunteers explain the story behind their work, reflecting on both the escapism and isolation of entertaining yourself at home. Placed suggestively within our historic rooms, these contemporary pieces encourage connections to be made between solitude and creativity, past and the present.

Visitors can also enjoy what we made in lockdown, with highlights from our digital programme Chawton House Creating throughout the house. Use your smartphone to scan QR codes linking to talks, tours and exhibitions we created, and can still be enjoyed online.

Included in admission price.

Volunteer Maggie’s crochet afternoon tea set!

Did you make something in lockdown, or are you now inspired to embark on a creative project? Share your work with us on social media or set a new goal, using #MadeinLockdown