A new literary exhibition is opening at the Panacea Museum this Saturday (4 October) as part of the national Being Human festival.
Based in Bedford, the Panacea Society was a Christian community founded and led by women. The Society believed that their leader, Mabel Barltrop, was the daughter of God and their garden was the Garden of Eden.
Unravelling the Past: In Her Own Words showcases the poetry and prose written, edited and published by the Panacea Society, and reflects on the authors and poets who influenced them.
The museum’s new displays focus on the history and legacy of the Panacea Society, viewed through their own written works and personal book collections, including many documents, books and items never before seen on display.
In Her Own Words is part of a broader project led by the University of Bedfordshire and in partnership with The Higgins Bedford, and you can find out more information about it here.
There will be associated talks and workshops accompanying this exhibition, including a lunchtime talk from Dr Nicola Darwood from the University on Thursday, 13 November, and a writing workshop for teens with local poet Katie O’Pray on 15 November. You can find out more details at the Panacea Museum website here.
This event is part of the Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, which takes place in November. It is led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy.
Entry to the exhibition is free, and you can see it during opening hours until Saturday, 29 November.
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Road, Bedford MK40 3NX. The museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm, entry is free of charge. Last entry to the museum is 3.30pm.
