JANE Austen’s House in Chawton has announced a number of newly-acquired objects via its new website, which launched last week.

Short videos will also be shared via social media, allowing the public a sneak peek at the new treasures in the house’s collection while its doors are closed during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The new website was funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, while new acquisitions were individually funded.

The objects on show include fashionable portrait miniatures from the Regency period showing people Jane Austen knew, and a modern fan showing a representation of her iconic romantic hero, Mr Darcy.

One delicate watercolour portrait miniature depicts Miss Mary Pearson, who was briefly engaged to Jane’s brother, Henry Austen, and is said to have inspired the character of Lydia Bennet ­in Pride and Prejudice.

Her portrait was painted by William Wood, one of the most accomplished miniaturists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Another addition to the collection are three portraits painted by George Jackson in May 1811, depicting Francis-William Digweed, James Digweed, and his wife Mrs James Digweed (nee Mary-Susannah Lyford). The Digweed family lived in Steventon, where Jane Austen’s father was rector, and were among the Austen’s nearest neighbours.

A charming hand-painted decorative fan, inscribed ‘The Devoted to Darcy Forever Fan Club’ and created by the Dutch artist Aafke Brouwer in 1996, also now takes pride of place in a newly-created display celebrating Jane Austen’s legacy.

Collections and interpretations manager at Jane Austen’s House, Sophie Reynolds, said: “During these difficult times while the museum must remain closed, we want to give the public a chance to step into Jane Austen’s world and capture a glimpse of what her life was like.

"Sharing these new objects as part of a series of videos and virtual tours of the House will help put faces to the names of some of Jane’s notable family connections and capture the subtleties of dress that would have filled a Regency ballroom.

"We also want to share the fun of contemporary artists paying homage to Jane’s characters and legacy – something that ‘fans’ of Mr Darcy will be sure to enjoy.”

Reynolds continued: “The first ‘Treasures from the Collection’ videos focus on these new objects, and can be found on our website at https://janeaustens.house/ , and we’ll also be sharing them on social media in the coming weeks. Anyone interested can also follow us there or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

"We look forward to meeting them virtually for now, and to welcoming them to see the items in person once we are able to re-open the house.”

Find the videos and more online at janeaustens.house