We celebrate projects that recognise women trailblazers, uncover untold stories and encourage women from a range of backgrounds to engage with heritage. 

Creative pioneers

Delia Derbyshire

Delia Derbyshire was an innovative electronic musician best known for her arrangement of the Doctor Who theme tune. From oral histories to hands-on workshops, we’ve awarded over £100,000 to three projects that are preserving her story.

Hundred Heroines – Dorothy Wilding – Gloucester pioneer

In 2023, our funding helped exhibit the work of Dorothy Wilding, one of the UK’s most accomplished and commercially successful woman photographers. The show at Gloucester’s Eastgate Centre included iconic photographs of legendary film stars, writers, celebrities and royalty from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Women in the history of medicine and healthcare

Malaysian Angels of the NHS

The Newham Chinese Association are gathering oral histories to preserve the life stories of 20 Malaysian nurses who arrived in the UK to work for the NHS from the 1950s onwards.

From Scutari Hospital to NHS Nightingale: The British Hotel to Seacole Recovery Centres

Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole were pioneers in British military nursing and social care, following their work in the Crimean War in the 1850s. This project by the Florence Nightingale Museum explores their achievements and legacy.

Defying convention and taking action

Risk Takers and History Makers – Celebrating the voices of the Women of Bedford

This partnership project connected schools and the local community with museums and a local history organisation. It explored the stories of four notable Bedford women from the last 300 years, who each fought and struggled against society, social norms or government.

Her Hidden Histories

Under-served young women aged 12–18 explored unknown stories of women in Manchester who worked in the male-dominated spheres of policing, transport and politics.

Rebellious Sounds Archive: women and activism

In 2017, Dreadnought South West began work on an online archive of oral histories. The archive contains first-hand accounts about women and their activism, with special emphasis on LGBTQ+, disability and diverse ethnic stories.

Empowering women in heritage

Reimagine, Remake, Replay

Part of our Kick the Dust programme, this project used creative and digital approaches to engage young people aged 16–24 with museums across Northern Ireland. Two young women making their mark in heritage wrote a blog describing their experiences of working with Ulster Museum.

Thistles and Dandelions

This project aims to connect under-represented women with heritage spaces in Glasgow. A programme of museum residencies will offer upskilling opportunities and improve inclusivity in the sector.

Uzo Iwobe

Professor Uzo Iwobi OBE has made an outstanding contribution to heritage in her 30 years living in Wales. Watch our interview with Uzo, where she shares her thoughts on heritage and the women who support the sector.

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