The Mighty Women exhibition arrives at The University of Buckingham
30 May 2019
After huge success at the Old Gaol where the exhibition was developed, the Mighty Women Exhibition will now be located from the 30 May until the end of June in the Vinson Building at The University of Buckingham.
The exhibition was researched and composed by local Lauren Hutton and focusses on the stories of eight extraordinary women from Buckingham and the surrounding areasA new addition to the exhibition will be a replica period dress from the era of Katherine Aragon.
Featured in the exhibition is Professor of Law at The University of Buckingham, barrister, human rights lawyer, feminist legal scholar and activist, Susan Edwards. She has fought for the rights of marginalised individuals and groups and gives a voice to those who would otherwise go unheard.
Other women featured range from Katherine of Aragon who had her biggest achievement while staying in Buckingham to Florence Farmborough, who served on the Russian front line as a nurse during World War One and was twice awarded the St George’s Medal for bravery. In more recent times, ground-breaking Carnegie-nominated young adult fiction author Rhian Ivory is featured.
A new addition to the exhibition will be a replica period dress from the era of Katherine Aragon.
Exhibition curator, Lauren Hutton said: “The response to the exhibition so far has been fantastic and it is an honour that The University of Buckingham is featuring the exhibition in the wonderful new Vinson Building on campus. The University is, of course, home to one of our Mighty Women – the incredible Professor Susan Edwards who has not only fought for human and women’s rights as a barrister and activist, but inspired and empowered others through her teaching and presence.”
Mayor of Buckingham, Mark Cole said: “I am delighted that Lauren Hutton’s amazing Mighty Women exhibition – which was a big hit at The Old Gaol when it opened this February – is going to continue at The University of Buckingham.
“Buckingham is rightly proud of the women who have played such a big part in the history of our ‘loyal and ancient borough’ – from Catherine of Aragon through to today’s Ivy Cakebread MBE and the University’s own Professor Susan Edwards. I can do no better than echo Lauren’s words: ‘Every woman included in the exhibition has pioneered, stood up for what they believed in, shown incredible bravery, and so much more.’”
“The exhibition’s encore at the Vinson Centre further strengthens the Town & Gown ties between Buckingham and its University, and I hope that both students and townspeople who have not yet seen it will take this opportunity to visit the stunning new Vinson Centre to learn more about Buckingham’s colourful past.”
The University of Buckingham Bookshop will be selling books specifically chosen to inspire young girls and show them that they can achieve great things. They will also have books by Rhian Ivory, a local author, who is features in the exhibition.