When the opportunity arose to create an exhibition in the Jerwood Centre in honour of International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March, I was thrilled. As a Women’s Studies minor, I love learning about, and helping others learn about, women whom history has forgotten. In my Women’s Studies classes, we learn that history often chooses to ignore the contributions that many women have made to society. Recent efforts to recognise these women are extremely important in helping modern women gain the respect they deserve for their intellects, talents, and contributions to society.
As my co-curators (Poppy and Katherine, Collections Trainees) and I searched the Wordsworth Trust archives for women to highlight, we came across a book entitled Women of Worth: A Book for Girls. Published anonymously in 1863, it contains a series of biographies of a wide range of exemplary women. The book seemed perfect, with an empowering message in big, bold letters on its front cover. Yet, upon further inspection, we discovered that many of the women were featured for their meek attitude and willingness to help their husband succeed. Therefore, we decided to use this book as the centrepiece of our display, but, instead, highlight relatively unknown women for their contributions to the world of literature and art, seeking to recognise the women whom history has forgotten. More…
