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An evening with Alison Bashford, author of An Intimate History of Evolution: The Story of the Huxley Family (Allen Lane, 2022).
In her celebrated recent book on the Huxley dynasty, Alison Bashford has explored Aldous and Julian Huxley’s young years when they lived in Prior’s Field. Julia Huxley’s new school for girls was a noted success from the beginning, and the Huxley siblings grew up with their mother’s pedagogical and educational vision unfolding around them. It was a powerful beginning for the man of letters and the man of science, whose twentieth-century public lives were strongly shaped by their nineteenth-century Arnold and Huxley forebears, and their inspirational Surrey childhood.
In this evening’s talk, Professor Bashford will share insights from her research, including uncovering a rich suite of letters between learned Julia (Arnold) Huxley and her sister, the eminent novelist Mary (Arnold) Ward. She will share some of Julia Huxley’s delight, concerns, inspirations, and problems, as she led Prior’s Field School through its earliest years. There will be an opportunity to ask Alison questions at the end.
An Intimate History of Evolution reviews:
A wonderful and important story, one that held me enthralled from start to end. Miranda Seymour
A detailed, nuanced and superbly written join biography of the intellectual lineage of the Huxleys…rich and compelling. Philip Ball, The Lancet
What a family, what a story, and so cleverly told. Andrea Wulf, author of the The Invention of Nature
The whole of British intellectual life seems accessible through some branch of this sprawling family tree. Stephen Buranyi, The Guardian
Alison Bashford FBA is Scientia Professor of History at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Previously she was Vere Harmsworth Professor of Imperial and Naval History, University of Cambridge. She is Honorary Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge and won the Dan David Prize in 2020 for her lifetime’s work in the history of medicine.
Lecture with Q&A and a book signing afterwards.
Tickets £10 to include a glass of wine.
For further information, please contact Polly Murray: alumnae@priorsfieldschool.com / 01483 813461
Archive Online Launch
What an incredible event you put on for all of us. It was very polished and professional, and I loved how everyone got to have a go on the new website. All just really delightful! I was impressed, delighted and proud, and also thrilled to learn about Archive Online and how it all works. Thank you very much for all of your planning and hard work.
Sleepover Reunion
A very big thank you to you for organising our Old Girl Sleepover Reunion. It was really good to see everyone after 40 years - everyone still recognisable!
The lunch was especially good and I really enjoyed seeing the old dorms. Of course, as my daughter was there more recently I have seen the new art block, etc. but it is all so much more impressive than when we were there.
Hong Kong Drinks Reunion 2019
Dear Polly,
I was there last night and it was an amazing night! Thanks for arranging this event! Good to do some catching up with high school friends and the new updates of PF.
Sleepover Reunion
Polly, I wanted to express my sincere thanks for the amazing, beautifully arranged reunion. Truly well done!
Career Dinner 2019
Thanks for putting last nights event on - it's so important to support future generations of females and so I'm always happy to be a part of something like that.
Sleepover Reunion
I just wanted to thank you very much for organising the 1978 reunion. After 40 years it was quite an experience! You did a great job in making us feel welcome and lunch was delicious. I particularly enjoyed seeing Mrs Brown, so well done for getting some staff in.
The school was most impressive - quite different (as one would hope) and yet recognisable. That part of the visit still needs a little processing!
PF Connections - Networking Event 2019
Hi Polly,
Your event was wonderful, warm and very friendly. I met some great people, and I really enjoyed being a part of it.
Archive Online Launch
What an incredible event you put on for all of us. It was very polished and professional, and I loved how everyone got to have a go on the new website. All just really delightful! I was impressed, delighted and proud, and also thrilled to learn about Archive Online and how it all works. Thank you very much for all of your planning and hard work.
Sleepover Reunion
A very big thank you to you for organising our Old Girl Sleepover Reunion. It was really good to see everyone after 40 years - everyone still recognisable!
The lunch was especially good and I really enjoyed seeing the old dorms. Of course, as my daughter was there more recently I have seen the new art block, etc. but it is all so much more impressive than when we were there.
Hong Kong Drinks Reunion 2019
Dear Polly,
I was there last night and it was an amazing night! Thanks for arranging this event! Good to do some catching up with high school friends and the new updates of PF.
Sleepover Reunion
Polly, I wanted to express my sincere thanks for the amazing, beautifully arranged reunion. Truly well done!
Career Dinner 2019
Thanks for putting last nights event on - it's so important to support future generations of females and so I'm always happy to be a part of something like that.
Sleepover Reunion
I just wanted to thank you very much for organising the 1978 reunion. After 40 years it was quite an experience! You did a great job in making us feel welcome and lunch was delicious. I particularly enjoyed seeing Mrs Brown, so well done for getting some staff in.
The school was most impressive - quite different (as one would hope) and yet recognisable. That part of the visit still needs a little processing!
PF Connections - Networking Event 2019
Hi Polly,
Your event was wonderful, warm and very friendly. I met some great people, and I really enjoyed being a part of it.