The idea that the woman at home is nothing but ‘of the home’ was contested by reference to travel artifacts in the home; through furnishings as redolent of places far away – as in drapes and couches, wall hangings and bedding; by use o f cooking utensils such as the wok and bain-marie; so, too, styles of cooking and kitchen, breads and beverages. The challenge of the exotic nature of what is so often classed as ‘domestic’, together with the concept of the window as a ‘window to the world’ whilst also being a window into the world, affirmed both the vitality and the importance of seeing anew.
Tag: Women’s History
A Woman is a Person! Sophia Jex-Blake’s Historical Struggle
While searching the Senatus papers for information about the University’s higher certificate for women, I was astounded to come across what must be the very letter Jex-Blake wrote, so far unlisted. It was dated 17 July 1873 and signed by herself and 10 other ladies: Edith Pechey, A.R. Barker, Alice J.S. Ker, Elizabeth J. Walker, Agnes McLaren, Isa Foggo, Jane R. Robison, Elizabeth Vinson, Jane Massingberd-Mundy – all who are also known to have been prominent in the movement for female higher education and several in the female suffrage campaign.
East End Campaigner – Edna Henry, Factory Worker
Edna was one of the first black women to work at the factory, and from her earliest days at Tate & Lyle she learned that she would need to fight in order to be treated fairly. When a promotion went to the sister-in-law of a supervisor, even though Edna had longer service and better time-keeping than the other girl, she bravely knocked on the door of the forelady’s office and demanded that the managers reconsider their decision. After checking her service record, they were forced to acknowledge that the job should have been hers, and reluctantly gave her the promotion.
Alice Suter – A Woman We Forgot
So, perhaps Englishness wins out over local colour. English origins and activist past trumps home-grown rebel. For Adela Pankhurst, Jennie Baines and Alice Suter, notions of importance infused with dominant cultural perceptions, assertions and demands dictate what is ‘true’, what truly memorable, important and worthy of record. Alice Suter lost.
Is history conservative?
In the last week, I attended an Irish Studies conference, where, amongst other things, I attended two papers, both by geographers: one on how research on DNA shapes how we view our national identity and the political consequences for power…
Reading, Reading Everywhere…
The internet is full of history for your perusal- here are just some: Advertising for Love A Corner of the Tenth Century A Fortean in the Archives A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette Alsatia American Creation Chaosbogey Chick History Chronicon Mirabilium…
Jean Benson Wilkinson
November 24, 1914 to December 28, 2010 Jean Benson Wilkinson, a longtime defender of civil liberties and beloved teacher, passed away at the age of 96 in Berkeley, California, on December 28 surrounded by her loving family. Jean was an…
Black History Month: On the margins? British Caribbean and British Asian Women: A Brief History, Part 2.
Continued from Part 1. By the mid 1980s more British Asian women worked outside the home in Britain than was assumed by the white population and many such women, particularly those of Hindu and Sikh backgrounds, were moving into the…
Black History Month: On the margins? British Caribbean and British Asian Women: A Brief History, Part 1.
Handsworth, 1971(George Hallett): Source: http://birminghamblackhistory.com/external/gallery.html Black History Month, 2010, provides an opportunity to focus on the lives of British Caribbean and British Asian women – their histories and the factors that have influenced, and continue to influence, their lives. In…