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Mottisfont

A Constant Heart

PhD Student Kate Hawnt tells about recent developments in her research: Last week I had the honour of being invited to attend the book launch of a very special publication that has considerable significance for my research:  A CONSTANT HEART: The War Diaries of Maud Russell 1938-1945, edited by Emily Russell.  The event happened at the National Trust property Mottisfont Abbey, once home to Maud Russell and the rest of the Russell family.  Her youngest son, Raymond, is the focus of my PhD. Continue reading →

Harpsichords return to Mottisfont

University of Southampton researchers Katharine Hawnt and Christopher D. Lewis are involved in an exciting project to reintroduce the harpsichord at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire. In March 2016 this small harpsichord was installed in the Boy’s Room at Mottisfont Abbey. The new display was instigated by the Making of the Modern Harpsichord project, a collaboration between the University of Southampton and the National Trust. Continue reading →

Exchanging knowledge with the National Trust

Postgraduate researcher Kate Hawnt has been enjoying the advantages of an enthusiastic, non-academic audience for her work: On April 11th I ventured up to the National Trust-owned property, Mottisfont Abbey, to give a talk in their Knowledge Exchange Programme. This is a series of in-depth talks offered to National Trust volunteers and staff to widen their knowledge of the property they work in. Continue reading →

Music, narrative and space

I’m thinking about music. Which is slightly scary for me, as I’m not very good with music. I have no sense of rhythm, I’m not tone deaf, but I do struggle to tell the difference between notes, and though I enjoy singing, people around me don’t enjoy my singing. This might have something to do with two of my favourite musicians being Bob Dylan and Shane McGowan whose own singing voices are a matter of some division among critics. Continue reading →