Description

Recorded on 14 December 2021 in West Cork and Norfolk

How did their friendship grow? An opportunity to live through a moment in time and a slice of two people’s lives, through their letters.

In the summer of 1811, the friendship between  botanists, Ellen Hutchins of Ballylickey, Bantry Bay, West Cork, Ireland, and Dawson Turner of Great Yarmouth developed a closeness that went way past the plants they were identifying.

Hear their story through extracts of their letters read by performers, Karen Minihan (in West Cork) and Robin McLoughlin (in Norfolk), with introductory notes by Finola Finlay and an explanation of letter writing, the postal system, costume and customs of the day by historical re-enactor Carrie O’Flynn (Cork City). See some period pieces relevant to the story including the type of microscope Ellen might have owned, some letters and books of Ellen’s and images of her specimens and drawings.

The file for download has the link and password to stream the recording.