Openstorytellers has received a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting new project entitled ‘The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Fanny Fust: An 18th Century Adventure Story’, based in Frome and Wells.
The project will focus on researching and retelling the story of a young heiress who had severe learning disabilities, and was abducted by a fortune hunter in 1700s Bristol.
Openstorytellers’ storytellers and project managers who have learning disabilities, will be researching the life of Fanny Fust, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, and telling her story.
The group are particularly interested in how she was taken away against her will, and how her mother later supported her to have the marriage annulled. The story raises many issues around capacity and consent, that are still relevant to people with learning disabilities today, and this project will enable conversations and raise awareness around these issues.
“We want people to change the way they think about people like us, like we did with our ‘King of the Goblins’ story (at a storytelling festival); we asked the audience questions and made them think. We want to show people that even though we have special needs, we are the same as those who don’t.” – Tim, OST group member.
In order to get a feel for what life was like for Fanny, the group are investigating all aspects of 18th century life, including the fashion, the food, the leisure pursuits, architecture and schooling. The group want to give Fanny a voice and plan to tell her story to a wide audience.
“Our show and talk will inform, make people think and entertain the audiences.” Working with a steering group of professionals from Bristol University, the Open University, local museums and other heritage specialists, participants will gain a deeper insight into this previously under-researched part of disability history, as well as learning valuable new communication skills to use to bring Fanny’s thought-provoking story to life.
Openstorytellers is a charity created to enrich the lives of adults and young people with learning and communication difficulties, using traditional stories and personal narrative to develop communication skills, build confidence and self-esteem, learn transferable skills and find their voice in their community.
Additionally, Openstorytellers are looking for volunteers to support the project, so if you have an interest in history and would like to get involved, please do get in touch on 01373 454099 or info@openstorytellers.org.uk
