We arrived at a quarter past 4 — & were kindly welcomed by the Coachman & then by his Master, and then by William, & then by Mrs Perigord, who all met us. Before we reached the foot of the stairs. M de Bigeon was below.1
~ Jane visiting Henry in London on 15 September 1813
Beyond the Bonnets is an exhibition about working women that Jane Austen knew and that featured in her novels. It also features working women from the period, and those that Jane knew personally.
The exhibition is in Winchester between 26 July 2025 to 2 November 2025, before moving to the Willis Gallery in Basingstoke from 12 November 2025 to 1 March 2026. The exhibition is free.
The Exhibition
Beyond the Bonnets explores working women that lived in the background to our heroines. It shows how invisible working women were, and how opportunities for women were limited. They had a lack of rights, and worked in domestic service, trade, childcare, and education.
Through Jane’s novels and letters, plus historic objects, you will encounter women working in different circumstances, including those who ran their own businesses. Mrs Mary Martin of Basingstoke ran a business with her husband until he died. She then single handedly ran an inn which held public balls, similar to those featured in Jane’s novels, and went on to run a drapers shop, and a lending library, but went bankrupt in the end.
Highlights for Jane Austen Fans
In tribute to Susanna Sackree (1761-1851), Edward’s nursemaid who was a beloved member of the household for over 58 years. She helped care for Edward’s children after his wife Elizabeth died, and in thanks, he had a portrait painted of her which was unusual at the time. Jane knew her well and spent time with her at Godmersham. She also befriended Anne Sharpe, his Governess, and sent her a specially bound copy of Emma.
A pair of silver nipple shields are found in one of the cabinets, loaned from the Royal College of Physicians, and probably used by wealthy mothers rather than wet nurses.It is alongside items dedicated to childcare, including an ivory teething rings rattle and pots. Many pieces of the artifacts displayed in the cabinets were used by working women.
The rest of the museum features dresses sewn by seamstresses and kept in mint condition by ladies maids.
Dolls made during the period are lifelike in size, and other toys were made for wealthy families.
Overall, Beyond the Bonnets is a small and refreshing exhibition full of information about women in the Regency period, and lots of unusual items on display. It covers the types of roles that women did, including writing as an author like Jane, and how some remained invisible and anonymous – whether by choice or not.
TAGS
Exhibition Review, Beyond the Bonnets, Working Women, Godmersham Park, Edward Austen, Nanny, Governess, Hampshire, Basingstoke, ARC, Winchester, Jane Austen 250, Willis Gallery, Jane Austen Statue.
Lovely Links:
Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels, curated by Kathleen Palmer.
The Beyond the Bonnets is in Winchester at the ARC Gallery (Inside Winchester Library).
The Beyond the Bonnets is in the Willis Gallery on the main High Street in Basingstoke from December 2025 to February 2026.
Read more about Jane’s brother Edward’s home – Godmersham Park in Kent.
