Public Speaking

I am an experienced speaker on a variety of topics relating to late eighteenth century culture, and regularly talk at local societies, history groups and at academic conferences across the UK. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at nicky@nicolapink.com or take a look at some of my talks listed below.

All my lectures are beautifully illustrated and usually last 45 minutes with 15 minutes for questions. My speaking style is relaxed, friendly and clear. I am based in Hampshire and happy to travel.

2025 talks


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Talk Topics:

Jane Austen: Her Life and Times

This beautifully illustrated talk covers the life of England's most famous female novelist, from her birth in Steventon, Hampshire through to her final days in Winchester. Discover what her life was like, who she spent time with and where she lived. We'll explore where the Austens were in the social pecking order, and how she rubbed shoulders with those both above and below her station in life. This talk will transport you to the heart of Regency England and whether you're a devoted Austen fan or curious about the woman behind the ever popular novels, this talk promises to inspire and inform.


Eighteenth Century Country Houses and Gardens

This fascinating talk is aimed at anyone with an interest in country houses and their gardens. Join me as I trace the developments of the country house and its garden through the long eighteenth century, using examples and illustrations of properties across England, with particular focus on the south. I like to include a few local examples in each talk as well.


Muddy Petticoats and Parasols: Uncovering Jane Austen's experience of walking

In this beautifully illustrated talk, we will explore Jane Austen's experience of walking, from where she walked and what she wore to how she navigated muddy lanes during the winter months. By looking at her letters, contemporary conduct books, and the potential risks to walking women, we'll uncover whether Austen herself followed social convention when she stepped outside and understand what walking meant to her personally.


The experience of singing for genteel women, 1790-1830

This talk explores the impact of one of the most essential female accomplishments: singing. Using Georgian literature and conduct books, I examine why music was deemed so essential for young ladies. How were girls taught to perform, what songs were appropriate and did they even enjoy it? Was singing merely a way to catch a husband, advertise your family's social status, or even discipline girls to keep them in their place? Using contemporary records of many ladies, including Jane Austen, I shall explore what the experience of singing was like for Georgian young women. This talk will be further illustrated with recorded extracts of popular songs.


English country house gardens, 1680-1830

This talk examines the developments in the gardens that surrounded England's country houses in the long eighteenth century, exploring the early politically influenced gardens, through to 'Capability' Brown's sweeping lawns, and ending on the fantastic Gothic and chinoiserie gardens at the turn of the century.


Coming Soon - Jane Austen's Show Tunes: Charles Dibdin and Jane Austen

This talk will be an exploration of one of Austen's favourite composers, Southampton-born Charles Dibdin. Austen had more songs by Dibdin in her music collection than any other composer, so come and find out all about these songs and what Austen's experience of singing them at home might have been.