Inspiring Gloucester women come into focus in new exhibition
Opening at the Museum of Gloucester on December 14,100x100: 100 Gloucester women photographed by 100 women photographers will see the portraits displayed of those who have shown an indomitable, pioneering spirit.
The project run by the Museum of Gloucester and Hundred Heroines, a charity celebrating women in photography, is also intended to encourage more women to pick up a camera.
The exhibition will include those portraits produced since International Women’s Day as well as a shrine to heroines past. Visitors will be invited to add to the exhibition by sending their portraits, or attend a workshop to create their own.
It features prominent figures such as The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, 41st bishop of Gloucester and the first woman to serve as a diocesan bishop in the Church of England.
Her portrait hangs alongside that of Debbie Innes-Turnill, who became a rugby referee when she moved to Gloucester after being told that as a woman it wasn’t something she could do.
The former head teacher turned lecturer, refereed for 26 years and represented her country at three women’s World Cups as well as becoming the first woman on England Rugby’s National Panel.
Gloucester based Emma Willis MBE, who established herself as one of the foremost luxury men's shirt makers, is also included.
She employs and trains local, skilled craftspeople in her successful shirt making business and set up the Style for Soldiers, a charity helping severely injured men and women returning from Afghanistan.
She creates bespoke, fine clothing to help lift their morale as they enter the next chapters in their lives away from the military soldier.
Hundred Heroines Founder and Chair, Del Barrett, said: “It’s been a real joy to work with the Museum of Gloucester to learn about the unsung heroines of our city and to see so many women sharing our passion for photography. The exhibition will be inspiring and empowering for so many more women.”
Councillor Andy Lewis, cabinet member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “This is a fantastic project that highlights the many talented and dedicated women we have here in Gloucester. I’m delighted that we are shining a spotlight on their stories and achievements and hope that it will serve as an inspiration to others.”
Photography workshops will take place in the new year, visit www.museumofgloucester.co.uk for more information. 100x100 runs until March.
To nominate a local heroine or share their image tag #100GlosHeroines or go online at www.MuseumOfGloucester.co.uk/HundredHeroines