On 18th July 1817, Jane Austen died in the arms of her sister Cassandra “I have lost such a treasure”, Cassandra wrote of her loss, “such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed.” Cassandra had lost sister and friend, but the world had lost its greatest novelist – far, far too early! 2017 marks the anniversary of the death of Jane Austen. All over the world, people are marking the occasion and celebrating the talent and genius of Jane Austen. Exhibitions, talks, performances, discussions, church services are all being planned in order to commemorate Jane Austen and her legacy.
The Jane Austen Society of Australia is a member-based association founded in 1989 to bring together lovers and admirers of Jane Austen in this part of the world. We number academics and scholars amongst our members, but we are mostly enthusiastic amateurs who meet to discuss the genius of Austen and to explore the era that gave rise to her.
Although based in Sydney, we have members in all states of Australia and overseas, and we warmly welcome visitors to our events.
We produce regular publications, have a member’s library, and sell Austen-inspired items through our Regency Fair stall at meetings.
Find out more about becoming a member of JASA, or read the latest updates from JASA’s Facebook page here.
Jane Austen was 21 at the time and manuscript was "First Impressions" later to be known as "Pride and Prejudice."
Thank you very much, Anne Harbers, who shared her expertise in antique silver and for her informative talk for JASA members, titled, “Snuff Boxes, Patch Boxes and Vinaigrettes: The Superb Silver of Jane Austen’s Time”.
Anne’s fascinating talk centred around the enticing silver of Jane Austen’s time, including engraved patch boxes, decorated snuff boxes, little vinaigrettes, as well as little personal silver nutmeg graters to show people that you had your own nutmeg clove to sprinkle.
Anne’s talk was enjoyed by everyone who attended and was supported by Marlene Arditto who kindly brought in her Georgian collection of antique silver.
We will be revealing our exciting 2019 programme shortly, so do look out for it on the website and on Facebook.
Thank you to our members for joining us at all of our events this year; it’s been another wonderful year and the committee is looking forward to bringing you more exciting Jane Austen talks next year.
