Lancashire Women’s lives from 1950s-1980s explored at Preston exhibition

How much changed for women in Lancashire between 1950-1980 in a post-war Britain where women led the charge to create a new society? The new exhibition at Lancashire Archives examines this question and more, exploring women’s lives in Lancashire through the county’s archive collections.

The Shaping the Future: Lancashire Women’s Lives, 1950-1980 exhibition looks at Lancashire women at work, in politics and civic society, in entertainment and recreation, home lives and fashion.

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Visitors are encouraged to come along and find out more about some of the women who shaped our present, with displays featuring collections relating to comedian Hylda Baker, politician Dame Barbara Castle, QC Dame Rose Heilbron and Wendy Simpson, a designer at Horrockses Fashions.

It also includes original collections, sound recordings and objects from Lancashire Archives, Lancashire County Museum Service, The Harris Museum, and Blackburn with Darwen Library and Information Service.

An open room including exhibits of photographs — Exhibition stands highlighting Lancashire women

County Councillor Alan Cullens, Lead Member for Community and Cultural Services, said: “This exhibition focuses on such an important period that signalled a pivotal change for women’s rights and society as it is today.”

It’s fascinating to explore in-depth the work of the women who changed and shaped Lancashire’s future. I highly recommend that you check out the hard work and research put into this exhibition by the Lancashire Archives team.”

The exhibition will run until January 2024 and admission is free. A programme of events and activities will run alongside the exhibition including a day of historical talks and family activities on Saturday 12 August at Lancashire Archives.

The exhibition is the first in a new programme of displays at Lancashire Archives and Local History, based at the Archives building on Bow Lane in Preston City Centre, focusing on sharing and celebrating Lancashire’s amazing local history stories.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Lancashire Archives at archives@lancashire.gov.uk or visit the website: Shaping the Future: Lancashire Women’s Lives, 1950-1980 – Event Details – Lancashire County Council.