Who we are…

lifespleasures

The Girls Friendly Society 1915 (5GFS 19 2 15)

The Friends of the Women’s Library plays a vital role in promoting and ensuring the continued growth and distinctive identity of The Women’s Library.

The collections are available on The Women’s Library page of the LSE website here

A major repository of women’s rich heritage, it tells the story of women’s campaigns for equality and its archive holdings range from the eighteenth century to the present day. It aims to inspire learning and debate on issues that concern women and affect the whole of society, and is an internationally renowned resource, available to all.

The Friends of TWL have supported The Women’s Library over more than thirty years and through many changing circumstances.  Our members raise funds for the enhancement of the collections in all their variety.  We have, for example, purchased rare items at auction, recorded interviews with activists, financed the digitisation of newspapers, registers and the mounting of exhibitions, and we sponsor both undergraduate and masters’ essay prizes to encourage deeper study of the collections. Friends enjoy organising visits to places and collections of special interest in British women’s history, as well as a programme of talks and discussions addressing women’s history more generally.  These events are advertised on the website and in circular emails to members, and notices include the many events of interest at the London School of Economics and elsewhere.

The current Executive Committee consists of: Dr Anne Summers, Chair; Ms Susan Pares, Secretary; Mrs Lorna Hawthorne, Treasurer; Professor Judith Bourne, Membership Secretary; Amanda Ariss, O.B.E.; Dr Catherine Clay; David Doughan, M.B.E.; Professor Mary Evans; Dr Jean Gooding, M.B.E.; Dr Jane Grant; Professor Mary Joannou; Dr Anne Logan; Dr. Gill Sutherland.

 

 

Title image: Dame Millicent Fawcett, Miss Fawcett, Miss Garrett and Mrs Strachey after Royal Assent to Equal Franchise Act, 2 July 1928.

Friends of the Women's Library charity no. 277165