‘Courage calls to courage everywhere, and its voice cannot be denied.’ – Millicent Fawcett The statue of Millicent Garrett Fawcett was unveiled in 2018, the centenary year of the 1918 Representation of the People Act. It is the first to … Continued
The exhibition 100 First Women Portraits by Anita Corbin celebrates Elspeth Beard, the first British woman to ride a motorcycle around the world in 1982-84. At the time it was very rare for women to ride motorcycles long distances. The … Continued
Since 15 February we have published 80 stories of pioneering women with a connection to Sussex, both past and present. Today, we are celebrating the work of acclaimed author and journalist Patrice Lawrence, written by guest blogger, Amy Zamarripa Solis. … Continued
Rainbows have become a familiar sight in people’s windows up and down the country carrying messages of hope and support for the NHS, keyworkers and our communities during the Covid-19 lockdown. Today’s 100 Pioneering Women of Sussex blog focusses on … Continued
In a perfect world, former Eastbourne resident Eileen ‘Tirzah’ Garwood (1908 – 1951) would be a household name and acknowledged as one of the most original and distinctive figures of twentieth century British art. Instead, as a mother of three … Continued
‘Peggy Angus was a warrior. Women weren’t supposed to be like that.’ Just a few miles east of Brighton on the A27 stands a small flint faced cottage near Firle called ‘Furlongs’. This was once the home of an extraordinary twentieth century artist, who despite a unique legacy of paintings … Continued
Growing our own food is something many of us have taken a renewed interest in over the past few months. Allotments often provide a haven of green space and earth in otherwise crowded towns and cities. It is thanks to … Continued
Today’s Pioneering Woman of Sussex celebrates animal lover and advocate, Miss M Raymonde Hawkins, the creator of The Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, a much loved local charity based between Ringmer and East Hoathly. Now a 43 acre site with lakes, … Continued
Sussex is home to some incredible sports people, not least powerful former track and field athlete and Steyning resident, Sally Gunnell. Let’s console ourselves over the postponement of this year’s Tokyo Olympics by revisiting and celebrating Sally Gunnell’s inspiring sports achievements. … Continued
When recalling the name Margaret Hardy, a number of Brightonians will no doubt cast their minds back to the teachers, uniform and fellow students of their former school. ‘Maggie Aggie’ as some knew it operated as Margaret Hardy High School … Continued
How many books have you read during this lockdown period? Have you found yourself devouring novels to transport yourself to another world temporarily? During this time we are more grateful than ever for the creative talents of writers and artists. … Continued
Today’s Pioneering Women of Sussex blog marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, with Dr Helen Boyle, Mental Health Pioneer and Hove’s first woman GP. There are a number of houses and flats tucked away on Brighton and Hove streets that, unbeknown … Continued
Guest blogger, Amy Zamarripa Solis of This is Too Real and Brighton & Hove Black History Project, highlights the importance of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex as a pioneering woman. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, means a lot to people … Continued
Brighton alumni, Rachel Whiteread was the first woman to win the prestigious Turner Prize in 1993. Her work is described by Tate as ‘minimalism with a heart’. Born in Ilford, London in 1963, Rachel Whiteread was influenced by her father’s … Continued
Today we celebrate another incredible Sussex musician. One of the first and most successful women to make the most of the potential of recorded music was Southwick born, Dame Clara Butt (1872 – 1936). Dame Clara went on to become … Continued
In celebration and recognition of what would have been the start of this year’s Great Escape music festival in Brighton, today’s pioneering woman of Sussex blog puts the spotlight on Shirley Collins, the so-called ‘first lady of folk’. When Hastings-born … Continued
In honour of today’s International Nurses Day, we are recognising and celebrating the story of Brighton woman and military nurse, Florence Holdgate. Today we recognise the incredible work that all nurses do across the NHS to bring us health and … Continued
Today’s Pioneering Women of Sussex blog is written by Museum Assistant Lisa Hinkins. Lisa celebrates the incredible Lady Denman, director of the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War, and President of the Women’s Institute from 1917 – 1946. … Continued
Today, 8 May, marks 75 years since Europe marked the end of the war that had changed the face of the world forever. One of the most recognisable figures of the Second World War is Dame Vera Lynn. Words from … Continued
Beth Burr, Programming Assistant, takes us on a journey through the reflections, remembrances and heartfelt feelings of visitors to Brighton Museum’s 2014 War Stories: Voices from the First World War exhibition and considers their relevance today. In 2014 visitors to … Continued
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