In Training for a Heroine
Exhibition by ‘a space’ arts at God’s House Tower
In Training for a Heroine brought Jane Austen’s travelling writing desk to God’s House Tower, where it was exhibited on loan from the British Library from 15 November 2024 to 23 February 2025.
Gifted to Austen by her father for her 19th birthday, the portable mahogany desk was designed to fold into a case so it could travel with her. Complete with a secret drawer for treasured possessions, letters and manuscripts, it became a fitting symbol of Austen as a young, ambitious writer at the beginning of her career.
Through the desk, personal letters and manuscripts, the exhibition explored Austen’s formative years and the experiences that helped shape her writing, including her connections with Southampton, where she lived in 1783 and again from 1806 to 1809.
The free exhibition was presented by ‘a space’ arts at God’s House Tower as part of its Jane Austen at GHT programme and Southampton’s wider celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth.
Southampton Forward supported the project by brokering the relationship between the British Library and God’s House Tower. This resulted in God’s House Tower being accepted as a venue able to host national loans, creating a legacy beyond the exhibition itself.
“Loaning an item of national significance for the first time was a huge privilege, incredibly exciting, and a great learning experience all in one go. For Gods House Tower to have achieved the status of being registered as a secure regional gallery that can loan from national institutions is a huge achievement”
Dan Crow – Director, ‘a space’ arts
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