K-SAA Interviews: Dr Kim Simpson and Clio O’Sullivan, Chawton House

Jane Austen referred to it as the ‘Great House’ in her letters, and it is now a centre to foster research and interest in early women writers. Chawton House, in Alton, Hampshire, UK, is a truly remarkable place, a mixture between historic house and gardens open to the public, alongside a wonderful and unparalleled working library of primarily women’s fiction. An award-winning educational programme with schools, alongside an exciting and varied events program all combine to create a unique attraction for fans of Romanticism, Austen, and female writers alike.

K-SAA Communications Fellow, Amy Wilcockson, spoke to the incredible academics and heritage professionals, Dr Kim Simpson and Clio O’Sullivan, about working at Chawton House, the events taking place, and what’s next for Chawton House over the coming years. Check out the interview below:

Dr Kim Simpson is Deputy Director at Chawton House, where she is responsible for academic programming. She holds a PhD in eighteenth-century literature (amatory fiction) from the University of Kent, and worked between the University of Southampton and Chawton House for 5 years, before making the move to the heritage sector full-time in 2021. You can follow her on Twitter @AmatoryAnon.

Clio O’Sullivan is Chawton House’s Communications and Public Engagement Manager. Her goal is to engage a wider audience through curating exhibitions, delivering an exciting events programme, and broadening Chawton House’s presence on various social media platforms. She has curated two exhibitions, Man Up! (2020-21) and A Costume of Sport (2022-present). Alongside her work at Chawton House, Clio is a part-time postgraduate research student in English at the University Of Southampton, pursuing a PhD in creative writing and due for submission in July of this year. Occasionally she dresses in period clothing! You can follow Clio on Twitter on (@ClioCliona).

Find out more about Chawton House here. You can follow Chawton House on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Chawton House’s exhibition ‘A Costume of Sport’ runs until 4th September 2022, find out more here.

Get your Tatty Devine X Chawton House jewelry here!

For more K-SAA Interviews, click here.