January 2026 at the Willis Museum
Talks
Hosted by the Friends of the Willis Museum (Archaeology Gallery, second floor)
Jan 15, 7.30pm: The Man Behind “Q” by Guy Caplin
Guy Caplin has investigated long forgotten and unknown war heroes. One such was Charles Fraser-Smith who devised gadgets for the SOE under the instruction of MI6. When writing his James Bond novels, Ian Fleming created the character ‘Q’ modelled on Charles Fraser-Smith.
Doors open 7.10pm, raffle and refreshments available. Free to members, visitors £5 at the door. Some “first come, first served” seats have been reserved for non-members. Booking is essential. Call in to the Museum or phone 01256 465902.
Looking Ahead:
Feb 12: The Last Days of Charles I by Alan Turton
Mar 19: The Life of Edwina Mountbatten by Richard Anderson
Hosted by the Museum Management (Archaeology Gallery, second floor)
25 Jan, 2pm – Sunday Afternoon Talk: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of James Barry by David Wiggins
James Barry was a pioneering military surgeon who performed one of the first successful caesarean sections in which both mother and child survived. While Barry’s medical accomplishments were groundbreaking, he is perhaps best known today for the revelation that he was born biologically female and was raised in childhood as Margaret Anne Bulkley.
This presentation not only delves into the mystery surrounding Barry’s identity but also highlights his significant contributions to medicine and military reform, while also examining the vital role women played at the time.
David Wiggins has been immersed in the museum world since 2013, starting his career as a volunteer at the Willis Museum. Since 2017 he has been working at the Museum of Military Medicine which looks at the history of the Army Medical Services from the Civil War to the Present Day.
£7 including tea, coffee and cake. If able, please BOOK ONLINE HERE – or drop into the museum.
Looking ahead:
Feb 22: The Story of the Basingstoke Workhouse by Barbara Large
Mar 29: Around the World in Fifty Birds by Keith Betton
29 Jan, 7pm: Mrs Martin’s Library: A Theatrical Monologue by Pedlars and Petticoats (in Café Willis, ground floor)
Mrs Martin’s shop is the best place in Basingstoke to gather, converse, read and admire the latest fashions. “As an inducement to subscribe, Mrs Martin tells me that her collection is not to consist only of novels, but of every kind of literature”, Jane Austen writes to Cassandra.
Sadly, her library is in danger from those who believe novels are dangerous and “she who can bear to peruse them must in her soul be a prostitute.”
Will you dare subscribe and save Mrs Martin’s Library?
Tickets £10. Suitable for ages 11 +
Mrs Martin’s Library. A Theatrical Monologue by Pedlars & Petticoats. | Hampshire Cultural Trust
Jane Glennie and Terri Reid are actors/historians bringing women’s history to life since 2012.
Café Willis will be open from 6.30pm for the usual teas/coffee and cake. There will be a 10% discount on all café purchases for ticket holders that evening.
Performance starts at 7.00pm.
Please note that this event takes place on the ground floor of the Museum.
Special Exhibitions
Weds to Sats, 1000 – 1700, Suns 1000-1600
Sainsbury Gallery (ground floor)
12 Nov – 22 Feb: Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels
Jane Austen (1775-1817) remains one of Hampshire’s most famous working women, giving us memorable heroines such as Elizabeth Bennet and Emma Woodhouse. But what of the world of work that surrounded Austen and the less often noticed women in working roles who are incidental characters in her stories?
Beyond the Bonnets is a unique exhibition, specially created for the landmark 250th anniversary, which explores these lives lived in the background. Discover the true stories of working women from Austen’s Hampshire and further afield and find the parallels between fact and fiction. Follow the precarious lives of real Georgian women navigating limited opportunities and rights through their roles in domestic service, trade, education and childcare.
Through Austen’s works, her letters, archival documents, historic objects and an absorbing, immersive soundscape, encounter the women who were footnotes in the narrative, but whose roles were fundamental to everyday Georgian life. These include Susannah Sackree (1761-1851), nursemaid to Jane’s brother, Edward, who was such a faithful and beloved member of the household that, unusually, a portrait was commissioned of her. Mrs Mary Martin of Basingstoke (1730-1823) also features – she ran an inn and organised public balls, then a draper’s shop with a lending library, before sadly declaring bankruptcy.
Looking ahead:
From 7 Mar: Bees! Hampshire’s Hive of History & Nature
Basingstoke Community Gallery (first floor)
15 Nov – 11 Jan: Inspired by Jane – Basingstoke Art Club
Taking inspiration from Jane Austen and her links with Basingstoke and Hampshire, the Basingstoke Art Club will be sharing their own take on the 250th anniversary of the novelist’s work and life.
Basingstoke Art Club was formed in 1948 by students and staff of Winchester Art school, brought together by Percy Belton who taught art at Winchester and Basingstoke. The art club continues with two exhibitions a year, one at the Willis Museum, and one in Old Basing.
17 Jan – 18 Feb: In Her Nature
Kristin Rawcliffe, Rae Mason, Susan Cunningham, Caroline Streatfield
This exhibition showcases work by four Hampshire artists that seeks to reconcile humans as part of the natural world and in doing so to recognise the importance of women as protectors of nature. In Her Nature aims to communicate this zeitgeist by producing art sustainably, using materials that can be repurposed or transformed.
On the opening day of the exhibition, Sat Jan 17, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists behind In Her Nature. Each artist will be available to talk about their ideas and techniques for individual artworks.