A house museum which showcases the life of one of Britain’s most famous authors has launched a virtual tour for guests, as in-person visits prove difficult through COVID 19.
Social distancing measures, barriers for international travel and the looming second national lockdown has posed a problematic year for Jane Austen’s House – but now fans from around the world of the internationally acclaimed writer can tour her idyllic home and literature treasures from the comfort of their own living space.
As part of the Jane Austen House official website, Jane Austen’s House from Home experience allows visitors to enjoy a 360-degree virtual tour of the talented author’s quaint red brick cottage, situated in the picturesque Hampshire countryside.
Jane lived at the house for much of the 17th century
As well as her traditional Georgian kitchen, modest wooden bookcase and white-washed bedroom, fans will see the 12-sided walnut table in which Jane penned some of her classic novels, which are still much loved in the 21st century.
Detailed narration of Jane’s experiences and her life at the cottage accompanies the tour, with the audio being tailored to the various rooms as guests virtually navigate through the property.
The humble Georgian kitchen is at the heart of the tour
The brand-new experience was made possible through the support of Art Fund and was brought to life through a collaboration between Jane Austen’s House, virtual tour specialists Pan 3Sixty and talented illustrator James Robinson.
Two additional virtual exhibitions
As well as delving into a guided tour of the global renowned author’s home, fans will also have access to two virtual exhibitions. Jane Austen’s Artful Letters showcases her most important written mail in her personal and working life.
While A Choice Collection of Curiosities uses a comedic approach to explore Jane as a teenager, through various compelling items featured around the house museum.
Memoir woodcut of Jane in 1870
Commenting on the new digital offerings, Sophie Reynolds, Collections and Interpretation Manager at Jane Austen’s House said: “With museum visits much reduced in the face of the global pandemic, our new Jane Austen’s House from Home resources make Jane Austen’s House accessible to people around the world from the comfort of their own homes.
Adding: “Of course a visit to the digital platform does not replace a trip to the house itself, but we hope that it will keep our dedicated and passionate audience happy until they are ready and able to visit in person.”
Jane Austen House from Home platform is available to access at guest’s own leisure through the official website.
Photos supplied by Pan 3Sixty and James Robinson
In others news, the British Museum is expanding its virtual school trips due to exceptional demand.
