Page 67 - Phonebox Magazine September 2012

The Castaway
MUSEUM MATTERS
ʻThe Cowper and
Sex and Scandal at the Museum
Newton Museum presents: Readings from the play ʻThe
8th and 9th September
All over Europe on 8th and 9th September historic monuments and buildings, including many that are normally closed to the public, will be open to everyone for free. The idea is to raise appreciation for Europeʼs rich and diverse cultural assets. Nearer to home Olneyʼs remarkable Cowper and Newton Museum and its
Castawayʼ.
A one man play by renowned actor and playwright David Gooderson about the life of William Cowper. Cowper was a fascinating character: dissolute law student, ʻhell-fireʼ preacher, witty poet, manic depressive and one of the most renowned literary characters of the eighteenth century.
Watch David Gooderson perform excerpts from his play in the beautiful surroundings of the Cowper and Newton Museum gardens followed by a drinks reception in Cowperʼs own courtyard. This is a ʻonce-in- a-lifetimeʼ opportunity to see this play performed in Cowperʼs own house and gardens! This event promises to be a unique and exceptional experience!
ʻA memorable evening indeed!ʼ The Northampton Chronicle
Sunday 16th September. 12.30pm – 2.00pm. Tickets are £10 and include drinks.
Please call 01234 711516 or email cnmhousemanager@btconnect.com or call in to the Museum to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!
A small number of tickets are available on the door. Please see www.cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk for more details.ʼ
Image from Adrian Tealʼs Gin Lane Gazette
ʻHERITAGE OPEN DAY IN OLNEY:
comedy quiz show QI will talk about The Gin Lane Gazette: Sex, Scandal, and the World of Georgian Journalism. He will be joined by novelist and journalist Lisa Gee, who will introduce her forthcoming book on William Hayley, friend and biographer of William Cowper. Lisaʼs talk is called ʻWilliam the Conqueror! - the friendship between William Hayley and William Cowperʼ and will trace the relationship between the two Williams, from Hayleyʼs fan letter to the poet he admired, to his battles for Cowper's pension and sanity. The talks are a must for anyone interested in the regionʼs heritage. Space is limited so to be sure of a place book your free ticket in advance either via the museum website at www.cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk or by calling into the museum in the Market Place. On the Sunday the museum will play host to local craftsmen who will demonstrate a variety of crafts and practical techniques to visitors.ʼ
gardens will be open both on Saturday 8th from 10.30-16.30 and on Sunday 9th at the same times.
The Museum is dedicated to two eighteenth century writers, the poet and letter writer William Cowper and his friend the great evangelical preacher John Newton, known best for his hymn Amazing Grace. On the Saturday afternoon the museum is offering two enjoyable free talks to illuminate aspects of eighteenth century life. Local Northampton cartoonist and caricaturist Adrian Teal, known for his work in the national press and the
Phonebox Magazine 67