Brontë Sister enthusiast, exploring the world of the sisters and the Brontë family in and around Yorkshire.
Also, creator of The Brontë Sisters online, an intriguing shop full of objects and gifts that will delight any Brontë devotee, but also a place where I celebrate my love of the sisters and their work.
I’m just reading Jane Auston at Home by Lucy Worsley. They were both always harangued by lack of money in a world where you really needed it to live a fulfilled life. I myself suffer from that wonderful malady of Bronte mania so I don’t have the problem you’re talking about. Once again a lovely idea and topic. Thank you.
Thank you. I was worried how people would take to a video about comparing the two, but it's been ok. I meet Lucy Worsley the other week, she's very nice, really knows her stuff and, is a lovely person.
Apparition Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights: which are you? we muse over the dip and artisan bread tealight, craft cyder, house red. Well, the one who locks up his wife and the one who broods and wuthers about both leave me cold being more taken by the artist’s ghostly smear: a linseed swipe of hubris, anger, regret, fear. The infamous absence upstaging the sisters. At the bar he downs a gin with laudanum chaser, extracts a tiny book from waistcoat pocket and regales us with an Angria tale. Unseen, unheard (but by me) as the pub PA blares "koo-koo-ka-choo Mrs Robinson". And here’s to you eternal infernal brother of the more famous...
Thanks so much for your videos. I am so glad I discovered them and I look forward to more of them. Now, I feel like I have to go online and find myself a print of the pillar portrait to add to my Brontë shrine. Have a good week.
So very interesting. I'd always assumed that Branwell had painted himself out of the picture. But while watching your video, I just thought, 'How do we know it was him that covered up his own image?' So, down the rabbit hole I went. Turns out it might not even be Branwell, after all, that's been obliterated by the pillar. Just a male figure --- could have been Patrick, who knows? All kinds of possibilities. More questions than answers ... I'm glad I read Elizabeth Gaskell's description, because she says Charlotte's portrait was a true likeness --- of course she never met Emily or Anne. BTW, if you ever feel like talking about EG, her friendship with Charlotte, or her biography of her ... no pressure 😊 Love your vlog.
Thank you for watching and sorry I sent you down a rabbit hole, bet you enjoyed it though. I hope to do something on Mrs Gaskell, it’s on the list but I want to reread the biography first and I need a good stretch of reading time for that.
I was wondering when Branwells’ image started to show through. Was it like that when the painting was discovered or did it start to appear after it was discovered in 1914?
From what I read, what we see today is was the way it was when they found it. When the National Portrait Gallery received it, it then became preserved under controlled conditions to prevent further deterioration. So I think we will never see the full image underneath. Thank you for watching.
This is a brilliant idea for a Brontë video, and one I haven’t seen before. Super insight into daily life at the time, not just for them but others of their social class.
Thank you. I often wonder about the social history side of the family. We know so much about their writing but at the end of the day they were normal people that needed to live and not so much is know about that. It took forever to collate all the info but I'm pleased I did. It really helped me understand their life at the Parsonage better.
I've wondered for some time now if the figure obscured by the pillar is actually Patrick Bronte, that it may actually be a portrait of father and daughters. Branwell was only 16 or 17yo when he painted it and, as the figure emerges, the hairstyle does not seem to be one of a young man. The shape of the figure's head also seems to indicate full side whiskers. Just some thoughts! BTW, I'd love to know where you got the three sisters Bronte plaques behind you!
That's a good thought about it being Patrick, maybe he painted Patrick out when he was angry with him during the time of his addition. So interesting. My Bronte Plaques were bought off eBay years ago, I have no idea where they originally sold them but they are lovely. They do have a habit of sliding down for no reason and making me jump.
The original portrait was framed, yes? Then removed from its frame so Bramwell could paint himself out. Is is known if it was ever put back in the frame before being removed again (?), folded up and thrown up in the attic? Or did Bramwell just paint himself out, decide the whole thing was trash, and put it up in the attic himself?
We don't know much about it before it was found by Arthur's 2nd wife. I don't think it was ever framed and hung or displayed. We can only assume it was Branwell that painted himself out but not what happened to it after that and before it was found. Thank you for watching, it's such a mystery isn't it.
Hello and thank you. I have so many ideas ready to turn into videos and I can tell you I have been out and about on adventures, so watch out for more of those coming up. I love hearing from my regulars, I know I am getting the videos right when they pop up. I agree, Branwell was unhappy and I think way before he started drinking too. If only he knew how famous he would become.
I love the mystery in this painting! I had always projected and assumed that shame and maybe envy or self loathing drove Branwell to paint himself out, but after I learned the historical timeline and that Branwell never even knew the success that his sisters became (and hardly did they!) it made me think how presumptuous I am haha Poor Branwell, his failures and maybe even an inconsequential artistic pillar decision are made infamous by his sisters’ shining legacies! I also think about their other two sisters and how they would have felt not being included in what we mean when we say, “the Brontë sisters”. Just earthly musings 😉 They all probably are on to better things. At least I hope so-speaking of which, I would love a video on the Bronte’s theology or spirituality. Helen from Jane Eyre greatly impacted my own and later the Helen of Wildfell Hall! Do you think the Brontes knew a very wise hopeful very good and deep Helen?
Thank you for watching. I often wonder about the two older sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, and what they could have produced if they had made it to adulthood. Their deaths played a bit part (I think anyway) on the writing of the stories (and their mother's death of course). Like all of us, the three sisters were a product of their experiences. Good idea on the video, I think Helen from Jane Eyre was based on one of her old sisters. Or maybe Charlotte grew up with her father's rose-tinted view on the older sisters and assumed they were perfect and so very good. Thanks for the idea, watch this space.
As always excellent video..curious to know, what was the first Bronte book published under, there real name...would be nice if you went to Thornton, where it all began..
Thank you, I love hearing from my regulars. The first book was their book 'Poems' (all three together) which didn't sell well in May 1846, then it was Jane Eyre in October of 1847 then in December of that year it was Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey. Thorton is on the list and very much in the pipeline (hint, hint).
Another great video, Kate. I had read that ABN second wife, Mary, was actually proud of her husbands connection to Charlotte and The Brontës. They had become quite famous by that time. She actually displayed some of The Brontë things in hers and Arthur's home and even celebrated Charlottes birthday. ABN loaned out and gave away so much...and destroyed a few things....and then when he died Mary sold everything that was left in 1914.... that's how the folded portrait was discovered (It certainly points out that no one cleaned the top of that cabinet if she didn't know it was up there 😂). All the things that were sold....many things as yet undiscovered. With there being two photos taken of ABN on their honeymoon, there had to be photos of Charlotte taken....and more than likely a bride and groom photo. If they were not destroyed...if they were sold in 1914.....they could possibly be locked away in a trunk in someone's attic that has been handed down in a family and current family members have no idea of who the photos are of. There are probably many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Hopefully they will be one day.
I dream of finding an old notebook with Charlotte's writing in and a few pictures. Just imagine. I agree, there are things out there that are still to be seen by the public, squirrel away in collections. I am pleased that Mary was ok with the memory of Charlotte, ABN was a lucky man that she was fine with it. You made me giggle about the cleaning. Very good point. Thanks as always for supporting me. xxxx
Just about the time you mentioned the chainsaw man, somebody with an industrial strength leaf blower started blowing leaves next door to where I live. 😳😂
It's the old men around here that can't sit still, they are always messing with power tools. They could start a choir with all the different noises they make. Leaf blowers seem a lot of work, the leaves will carry on dropping for months yet. Thanks for watching.
Hi. I am terrible for mixing my words up or not being able to say them. My family think its very funny and I can imagine when I am an old lady I will offend a lot of people by mistake. There has to be some perks to getting old. Thank you for watching and supporting me.
Maybe on some point you could visit Mrs. Gaskels house and touch a bit the story of their friendship. I’m reading now her book from 1909 edition about Charlotte. But English is not my native language, and it’s soooo dificult to read it😭
Yes, I really want to go to Mrs Gaskell's house and might get the chance later in the year as I need to be in that area for my day job. Her book is hard to read, she does say 50x words when 10x would have been enough. I hope, with English not being your first language, that you are following along with my videos ok. Is there anything I could do to make it easier? Thank you for watching, it's great to know you are all out there.
I vaguely remember people using IR light, or something of that ilk, to see what lay beneath the paint of one of Da Vinci's works. I wonder what we would find if something like that were done to the Pillar Portrait? I wonder if, in time, the pillar will disappear all together and reveal Branwell's face. Will there be a face there? Or did he take his knife and scrape his head up, off and into a pillar? Perhaps he never finished his face at all. I like this painting because it feels like an old, folded photograph that fell from the pages of the dusty diary of a long dead ancestor. It feels personal. The ghostly wisps of what was left out, and the emotions behind that action, feel haunting to me. He wasn't successful at anything he did. He felt himself a failure as an artist. I think he'd be amazed to know where this portrait ended up.
I wonder if he was the one to fold it up and store it away, like I have done with old school work. Maybe it wasn't supposed to be anything other than a test for him. Who knows. Maybe the real face will appear one day. Thank you for watching.
It’s a lovely painting. Thank you for discussing it and all of your insight into it. I’m have a question for you: do you think the photograph on Very Nearly Interesting’s channel is indeed the Brontes? I’d love to hear your take on it.
Now that's a hard questions. I have watched that video too and I want to believe it is them but, I think I will need to do my own research before I can decide. I might watch it again as it's been a while.
Love your videos. Bramwell probably erased himself because of his alcohol and opium addiction...heavy demons. Poor soul. But what do you think about The Brontë sister's photo taken in Paris ? Yey or ney ? I know that TBS Society are refusing admit it as genuine. I think it's Charlotte, Emily and Ann. Thanks a lot. 🤍🦋🤍
You are not the only one asking me that question today, I am still on the fence. I've watched the RU-vid video (a while ago) and I really want it to be them, but I think I would need to do my own research before I say yes or no. Sorry, thats not a solid answer. Thank you for watching and always supporting me. x
It's such a tender youthful portrait and he was only 17! I wonder when he painted himself out, was it at the time of the painting or later in life? It holds such a personal story. It is eerie to hear that the painted pillar is deteriorating and revealing his image! I looked online to see a close up and what a fine fellow he looked! (Somewhat ghostly 👻) He will be thrilled on the other side, to know that his work is now in the portrait gallery! Although I wonder if he is embarrassed that the pillar didn't stand the test of time 🤔 Once again thank you so much for a lovely, heartfelt video! You deserve a nice cup of tea! ☕💖🥰
Thank you for your lovely comments and for watching. I wonder if the painting for folded up by Branwell and put away and Arthur just took it like that. If Branwell didn't like himself in the picture maybe folding it up and putting it out of sight was another way of hiding it???
@@brontesistersuk That's a very good point! It could well have been stored away at the parsonage in a folded state, by Branwell. Maybe he wasn't too happy with it, as a whole. I think it's enchanting but as he was only 17, he was still learning. Food for thought! 🤔🤗💖
@@butterflygirlenergy young man full of hormones, surrounded by women and a father who didn't understand him. I could quite imagine him wanting it out of sight.
Thank you so much this. I still fondly remember toddling off to school with my brand new fountain pen. It must of been 1962 or1963. Up to that point all school exercises were printed in pencil. Where do you get these great ideas?
I remember being allowed to use pen at school, I took forever to write anything because I wanted to be so neat. I normally come up with ideas at times when I should be doing something else. I have so many more ideas for videos, I can't wait. Thank you for watching.
Hi Kate I already own this and the next one, so you’ve inspired mean to read this next. Lovely video as always, beautiful setting ❤ Thank you for sharing. Sharon xx
Bit of an urban (lol) myth about cathedrals and cities... Many towns with Cathedrals and many cities without.. Just for the chat fun. Cos I've noooooooo clue about literature 😆 The monarch officially grants city status through "letters patent".. And things like Universities and Cathedrals are considered... But when Henry 8th made some towns cities it did make a difference there being Cathedrals for obvious reason... Its my fave urban myth... As it is actually urban 😆
I am sure the volunteers at the church are going to get fed up of people now asking to see the actual spot of the vault. Thank you for watching and coming along.
I really enjoyed this Kate. Where you were walking looked beautiful, I loved the close ups of the amazing tree bark. I will definitely be searching out the book, it sounds just up my street 🙂
Thank you for taking us on your walk, and its so true how the Brontes were entwined with their landscape. They are part of the moors behind Haworth. Always time for a cup of tea, yes please to the cafe! I'm going to buy the book too, thank you.
Loved your video. Helped me wind down after a rather tough day, so thank you for that. The book looks brill --- I can picture the four of them doing & saying those very things. Except for the fact that they were not actual amateur sleuths, it all sounds pretty realistic. I'm also a murder mystery fan, so I think I'd enjoy it. Thanks again --- always great to hear about other Brontë lovers.
I am an Agatha Christie fan and love a mystery book so love this combo. Enjoy the book and I hope you have a more relaxing weekend. Thank you for coming on my adventure with me.
Once again, I want to say how glad I am to have found your channel! Like many Bronte aficionadas, I also enjoy Jane Austen. Can you recommend any JA RU-vidrs? I haven't yet found any that I enjoy that post regularly. Re: Saying hello to strangers... I remember that used to be viewed as an odd American thing whenever I visited family in the lower bit of the UK back in the 1970s/80s! Glad to hear that Yorkshire people do it, too!
Saying hello or a little chat about the weather or about someone's dog they are walking is still a thing here. A great habit and I often have chats with random people and it brightens up my day. As for JA RU-vidrs, I have struggled to find one that is about JA and her books rather than how hansom Mr Darcy is or how to dress up in 18th century clothes like her characters.
I know you didn’t ask me, but I can recommend the channel “What the Austen” which has some really interesting deep dives into Jane Austen’s books and characters, as well as chats with authors and others with Austen knowledge and expertise. It’s probably the best channel that’s solidly Austen that I have found. 👍
I loved this video! I love all the chatty natural ways you are with the camera 🥰 The book sounds amazing! Bringing their domestic lives to life! Her words really draw you in to what life must have been like. Thank you for the recommendation, it's on my Amazon wishlist! 🤗 Thank you once again for your beautiful videos, a true breath of fresh air in the RU-vid world 🙏🦋
Thank you soooo much. I am so pleased, if I had put all the outtakes in, it would've been twice as long. It was one of those days when my head and my mouth didn't share the same thought. I'm glad it came across as chatty and not just madness.
Sorry to put temptation in your path, one more book couldn't hurt!!!!. It will be worth it. I agree, Canadians are very friendly and chatty, we would make a chatty combo wouldn't we. :-)
Add it to your Christmas List, easy present idea for someone. I loved the fact she used a pen name. Her own name is so well known and would have helped sales so much but she risked it just out of respect for the Sisters. That is such a nice thing to do.
Hi Kate, I must say u r absolutely amazing. I am not only Bronte admirer also lived in Haworth. I watch ur videos every week, must be living in Haworth. what a beautiful woodlands (not in Haworth) I am somewhat astonish how..? and Who witnessed the conversations between siblings ...? any idea..?
Thank you for watching and you are right, I wasn't in Haworth that day. I am sure Rowan created this story and therefore the conversations based on the research she did and getting to know the sisters' style and the way they talked. I wish we knew what was said between them but only letters, diary entries and notes by friends like Ellen Nussey can help.
