Book, 'Theodora Phranza; or The Fall of Constantinople'; John mason Neale (1818-...
Book, 'Theodora Phranza; or The Fall of Constantinople'
Maker Maker RoleAuthor
About this object
This book was given to Blanche Lush from her uncle Alfred, and tells the story of the capture of Constantinople by the invading Ottoman Empire.
Blanche, known as Blannie to her family, was highly educated, not only in the expected female norms for the Victorian era, but also in “book learning” as well. During the 19th century, educating girls was seen by many parents to be fruitless. This was because women were expected to marry, have children and run a household, all of which did not need formal education. (1) However, Blannie’s parents, Vicesimus and Blanche Lush, stressed the importance of education and endeavoured to educate all of their children, including their four daughters. In 1851, Blannie’s father established a school at the All Saints Church in Howick, Auckland, where he served as the Anglican minister. In his journals, Vicesimus states that the school role consisted of 12 boys and 15 girls, which included his daughters, Blannie and Charlotte. Blannie was taught mainly by her father, but also attended Miss Hill's private school for girls in Auckland in 1853. (2) As part of her lessons, Blannie’s father would often take her to cultural places such as the opera or theatre. One excursion to the Auckland Museum on 22 July 1856 was described in her father’s journal: “… we met Blannie’s friend Mary Abraham, and I took the two young friends to the Museum, at which they were delighted. There is really a very creditable collection of shells, birds, reptiles, stones and curiousities…” (3). When she got older, Blannie was required to teach her younger brothers and sisters before they were old enough to attend school.
(1) Anne Else, ‘Gender inequalities – Education,’ Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, www.teara.govt.nz/en/gender-inequalities/page-5.
(2) Alison Drummond (ed.), 'The Auckland Journals of Vicesimus Lush 1850-63,' 1971, p. 143.
(3) Ibid, p. 181.
For more information about the Lush family and Ewelme Cottage, which is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, visit our website.
Paper
Measurements17 x 12 x 3cm
Date Made1857
Place Made PublisherJoseph Masters
Publication Date1857
Publication PlaceLondon, England
Subject and Association Keywords Credit LineCollection of Ewelme Cottage, Heritage New Zealand Historic Pouhere Taonga
Object Type Object numberXEC.2750
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