Catering to the Janeites
The Guardian has an article about various venues dedicated to Jane Austen, such as Jane Austen’s House at Chawton and the Jane Austen Centre at Bath, and how they are hunkering down for a big post-P&P3 rush — though they all note that interest never really wanes completely!
The UK’s multi-million pound Austen industry is gearing itself up for a busy autumn. If the film takes off, some believe the next few months could be as hectic as the heady days that followed Colin Firth’s dripping Mr Darcy emerging from the lake in the 1995 television adaptation of Austen’s best known work. David Baldock, director of the Jane Austen Centre, said: “The interest in Austen and her work continues to grow and grow. There is always a worry it will become too commercial, but what is happening is positive. It is bringing new people to her work.”
We really liked this part:
Maggie Lane, honorary secretary of the UK’s Jane Austen Society, is not a fan of the film adaptations, but is not worried that the writer is becoming too commercial. “That side isn’t forced upon anyone. I think there is something in Jane Austen for everyone, and the more people that know about her the better.”
*applauds*
September 3rd, 2005 at 9:25 am
*joining the applause* Couldn’t agree more.