Merlin by Emily Bronte

Portrait of the Bronte sisters by their brother Branwell

Alasdair McKee will talk about the Brontë sisters and their relationship with birds and nature.  Not only did birds play a big part in the sisters’ lives, they are also an important feature of their work, being involved in some of the most striking imagery of their novels and poetry.  This talk will look at the facts and folklore behind that imagery. Plus, if you have ever wanted to know what links Jane Eyre with the Bewick’s Swan – and who hasn’t? – the answer will be here.