ART, suffrage, temperance and war are the themes of a new exhibition at Dumfries Museum celebrating the lives of ‘The Women of Dumfries’.
It focuses on the years 1850-1950, a time when the lives of women were changing and more women entered the public sphere.
By focusing on individual’s lives and objects they created or used, the exhibition shares some hitherto little know or hidden histories.
A painting of Dr Flora Murray, a pioneering surgeon and suffragette, is on display alongside that of her partner in life and work, Dr Louisa Garrett Anderson.
The museum team have been able to bring out objects from their own stores such as the British Women’s Temperance Association banner from 1895 and also augment the exhibition with loans from local families and organisations.
One key supporter has been the Murray family who have loaned letters that Dr Flora Murray wrote to her brother, William Murray, in 1922. William was the local MP and he was encouraging Flora to stand for Parliament – regrettably, this was not something she was able to do.
Another family who have supported the exhibition is that of Chris and Nan Fergusson. Mother and daughter were both talented artists and the exhibition features several of their paintings as well as objects made by Chris when she studied at Glasgow School of Art.
Councillor Jackie McCamon said: “These beautiful pieces showcase not only these women as artists, but also their lives as women in Dumfries.
“Chris was actively interested in the campaign for women to have the vote, she was a founder member of the DG Fine Arts Society, a businesswoman who ran a studio in the town and taught at the Maxwelltown Convent.”
The exhibition celebrates the variety of women’s experiences from girlhood to adulthood, from women in holy orders to unconventional women living life in unexpected ways.
A series of events is planned throughout the year to enhance the exhibition.
The first is on April 29 and April 30 when On War Service Living History Group will be demonstrating medical practices from World War One with nurses, doctors, a field operating bed and various items for visitors to interact with.
The exhibition will run until January 24 and is free to visit within museum during opening hours.
