By Michele Leggott Frances Harris is within reach of the summit of the mountain she called Egmont, the only woman of the party still in contention for making it to the top after several hours of climbing in her short grey homespun dress, black jacket and sensible boots. Women have climbed the mountain before this Read More…
Tag: frances harris
Sisters at a Glance #4 Frances Emma Harris
By Michele Leggott and Brianna Vincent Frances Emma Harris 14 February 1842-17 September 1892 My daughter Frances Emma I should have told you was born in the timber house before we had it removed Feb 14th 1842 & was christened by Bishop Selwyn 1842, Mrs Merchant & self, sponsors. (Sarah Harris to sisters. New Plymouth, Read More…
Which Miss Harris?
By Michele Leggott Last week Ellen had a letter from Dr Taylor & some coloured views of London. He was in Kent, he intended visiting the Exhibition. His letters are always amusing, he wishes that we would get married so that our names might not harass him so. (30 May 1886) Emily Harris is amused Read More…
Sydney Report
‘It’s beautiful!’ Sue Needham is looking at the first plate of her great-great-aunt Emily Harris’s hand-coloured New Zealand Flowers, Berries and Ferns at the Mitchell Library in Sydney. She hasn’t seen the books before. The rich yellows of Ranunculus pinguis, the native buttercup, leap from the page. ‘And look how carefully she’s modelled those leaves,’ Read More…
Writing Lines: highlights from Emily’s 1860s letters
There is nothing like copy editing and proof reading to focus the mind and eyes on textual detail. But the same close attention also tunes the ear to tones and inflections of the voice coming off the page. After our latest stint with Emily’s writing, it was the work of a moment to go cherry-picking Read More…