In 1853 when Elizabeth Gaskell brought out her novel Ruth about a teenage seamstress, her city of Manchester was at the centre of the global cotton trade and her country was on the brink of the Crimean War. Public opinion was divided over class conflict and international events.

Concerns about the working and living conditions, and fears about the morality, of seamstresses were reflected in art and literature. Black Abolitionists on tour from America laid bare the links between Manchester’s cotton mills and the horrors of plantation slavery to British audiences.

So, what were Elizabeth Gaskell’s links to these African-American campaigners? How were Unitarians involved in supporting their public appearances? And how did Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel emerge from this heady mix of international conflict and calls for justice and social change? Dr Ingrid Hanson looks at the figure of the seamstress, abolitionist campaigns and the global connections of Manchester on the edge of war.

Part of Ruth season.

‘Ingrid Hanson’s knowledge of the material was amazing; wonderful grasp of material; compelling presentation, interesting insights.’ Visitor to previous event