Mary-Ann Constantine talks about the writer and adventurer Catherine Hutton (1780). This is part of a series of events related to the Creative Mapping exhibition at Ceredigion Museum.
‘Visions and Vertigo: Catherine Hutton’s adventures in C18th Wales’ on Wednesday 2 December 2015 at 1pm.
A free talk will be given by Mary-Ann Constantine, exploring the ups and downs of 18th century travel through the writings of the Birmingham novelist Catherine Hutton, who made several journeys into mid and north Wales from the 1780s.
Mary-Ann describes Hutton as a woman who was “Intrepid and intelligent, she has a fine eye for detail and character – though her passion for mountains is complicated by severe vertigo.”
Mary-Ann Constantine is senior research fellow at the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies. In her talk she will be sharing some recent findings from her current project, ‘Curious Travellers.’ This focuses on the travels and writing of Thomas Pennant and the Welsh and Scottish Tour 1760-1820.
Among the many tourists who explored Wales at this period – mostly in search of waterfalls and castles, quaint customs and picturesque peasants – the voice of Catherine Hutton stands out for its lively intelligence.
Mary-Ann adds, “Hutton was the daughter of Birmingham’s ‘first historian’, William Hutton, Catherine came into Wales well-prepared, with an open mind – and a sharp wit.” This talk looks at her accounts of Wales spread over several years of visits, and takes us from the comedy of a dance at the Talbot in Aberystwyth to the dizzy sublimities of Snowdonia.
The Creative Mapping display which appears at the museum focuses on aspects of historic Welsh maps and contemporary interpretations by Aberystwyth Printmakers. The exhibition continues until the end of January 2016.
Mary-Ann Constantine will be offering this free talk as a lunch time lecture lasting about forty minutes and hopes to encourage people to engage with the further study of the “Curious Travellers” who came to Wales.
Ceredigion Museum is open from 10am – 4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and on Sunday 12 – 4.30pm, admission is free.
For more information about the museum look at http://ceredigionmuseum.gov.uk or ring 01970 633088
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