The Harris Museum & Art Gallery is holding a special event on Wednesday 11th June at 2pm, focusing on the life of suffragette Edith Rigby, as part of it’s project Preston Women – then, now and beyond.
AdvertisementThe event will include a special lecture by guest speaker Laura Briggs titled: ‘Of course she was years ahead of her time’ – the progressive life of Edith Rigby.
Edith was born in Preston in 1872 and married Preston doctor Charles Rigby, living in Winckley Square. She became a leading figure in Preston’s suffrage campaign, founding the Preston branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union. She spent time in prison for arson attacks linked to the suffrage campaign. Edith also campaigned for many other social and political causes, including the rights of working women and even helped to save the ancient bronze age monument at Bleasdale in Lancashire.
Laura Briggs is a historian and freelance curator, who worked on the Discover Preston gallery at the Harris Museum and became fascinated by Edith’s story: “She led a life of activism. Unconventional for her time and deeply individual – she did not act in a manner expected of a doctor’s wife”.
Emma Heslewood, Curator of History at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery: “We are delighted to be welcoming Laura back to the Harris for this special event, exploring the life of one of Preston most influential women. The talk is free, but seats are limited to 60 so I suggest people get here early to ensure a place. This should be a fascinating afternoon, which I am sure will spark a lively debate on Edith’s legacy today”.
Free event 2 – 3 pm Wednesday 11 June 2014
For more details visit the Harris Museum website: or call the Harris Museum on 01772 905414
Will you go to the Edith Rigby lecture? Let us know in the comments below.