Lewis Carroll, creator of the much loved ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ stories, will be the subject of Warrington History Society’s next talk on Monday 17th October 2016.
Carroll’s influence looms large in Warrington. There’s the iconic Tea Party sculpture in Golden Square (officially unveiled on 30th May 1984 by HRH The Prince and Princess of Wales), two pubs – The Looking Glass in Buttermarket Street and The Hatter in Whitecross – and much more.
The area’s most notable Lewis Carroll landmark however is probably the Visitor Centre located within All Saints Church, Daresbury, where Carroll’s father was vicar from 1827 to 1843.
This month’s talk, “Lewis Carroll Through The Window”, will be given by Irene Rutter, one of the Centre’s visitor guides. Irene will recall the life and times of the famous Daresbury-born author, who spent the first 11 years of his life in the Village, through the memorial window that was erected in his honour at the church.
Daresbury-born Lewis Carroll whose work is said to have drawn inspiration from some of the curiosities on display at Warrington Museum.
Carroll, real name Rev. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was much more than an author. The Visitor Centre refers to him as a “churchman, storyteller, University don, pioneer photographer and puzzler” and Irene will touch on many of these aspects of his life during her talk.
Warrington History Society’s talks are open to members and non-members alike. The Lewis Carroll talk will take place at Friars Green Independent Methodist Chapel, Cairo Street, Warrington (opposite the Postern Gate’s car park) on Monday 17th October at 7.30pm. For further information visit warringtonhistorysociety.uk
Irene Rutter: Irene was born and brought up in Warrington, attending Beamont and Warrington High School before going to Manchester Royal Infirmary to study Radiography. She has worked in the Health Service for 41 years at various hospitals, including the old Warrington Infirmary, and her passion for Lewis Carroll’s work started at an early age.
Edwin Russell’s sculpture in Golden Square, Warrington. Created from granite and depicting four classic Lewis Carroll characters (Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Sleepy Dormouse and the March Hare), the piece cost £25,000 to create and includes a number of empty seats allowing passersby to join the party.
Warrington History Society: Warrington History Society was formed in 1964 with the aim of encouraging an interest in all aspects of the history and archaeology of Warrington and its surrounding areas. For information on how to join the Society visit warringtonhistorysociety.uk/join-us/
Main image (top of page): ‘The White Rabbit’s House’ – the latest Lewis Carroll inspired painting by Warrington born artist Frances Broomfield. To see more of Frances’ paintings and illustrations visit francesbroomfield.co.uk