PREPARATIONS are well under way for an exhibition that will showcase the personal side to the “daughter of the dales” , Hannah Hauxwell.
The Fitzhugh Library, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, will be staging an exhibition of her personal artefacts in September. Hauxwell, whose solitary life on a remote farm captured the imagination of people far and wide when she became the star of a TV documentary, died last year.
Kath Sims, of the Fitzhugh Library, said: “When Hannah died, one of her close friends and neighbours was in charge of disposing of her estate.
“They asked if we wanted the documentation.”
She added: “It is a real treasure trove full of letters, farm receipts, memorial cards, photographs, private correspondence, birthday cards and memorial cards going back three or four generations.
The collection is a snapshot of family and farming life in the upper dale. Among the many items is a letter from 1939 from a family member who walked from Baldersdale to Barnard Castle to visit the Teesdale Mercury so they could find out if war had been declared.
Another letter written in 1949 complains about the damage military tanks were doing to the footpaths in Bowes. A third, from a cousin in London, describes the Blitz.
Mrs Sims said: “I have worked with Judith Bennett, who is from Baldersdale, to catalogue the collection and we have been absolutely fascinated.
“It has been the most enjoyable and interesting experience.”
The exhibition will appeal to anyone who has an interest in Teesdale or in farming and social history, she added.
The exhibition will open to coincide with Heritage Days – England’s largest festival of history and culture.
The Fitzhugh Library will be open between September 13 and September 17 from 10.30am to 2.30 pm. The library’s usual opening times are Monday and Tuesday, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
