Every Monday at 7 pm on Zoom between July 27th – September 14th 2020
electric voice theatre & Chelmsford Civic Theatres
celebrated Essex’s splendid women of science!
In eight weekly episodes of music, art and conversation, historian Patricia Fara and modern scientists discussed the achievements and frustrations of Essex’s female pioneers, we also featured music, art and science created by local people over the summer.
All live events included a live BSL interpreter, however we apologise that she does not appear throughout the resulting films below.
MARGARET CAVENDISH
The Blazing Star from Colchester
Renowned author of Blazing World, Cavendish (1623-73) married one of England’s richest aristocrats but dedicated her life to challenging scientific orthodoxy and the subjugation of women.
ELIZABETH TOLLET
Stratford’s Scientific Poet
Isaac Newton praised her achievements, yet the poetry of multi-talented Elizabeth Tollet (1694-1754) expresses her resentment at being unjustly excluded from the male world of science.
ELLEN WILLMOTT
The Botanical Gardener of Brentwood
A wealthy horticulturalist with a passion for roses, Ellen Willmott (1858-1934) developed her family garden into a world-famous botanical centre and funded international expeditions to discover new plants.
GULIELMA LISTER
Leytonstone’s World Expert on Fungi
A meticulous observer, illustrator and collector, Gulielma Lister (1860-1949) was world-famous for her research into slime mould and her continual support of younger female scientists.
FLORENCE ATTRIDGE
The Secret Radio Pioneer from Chelmsford
Florence Attridge (1901-75) spent her whole career with Marconi, winning a British Empire Medal after the Second World War for her classified contributions to developing radio spy sets.
BERYL PLATT
Baroness of Writtle and Aeroplane Engineer
Trained at Cambridge University, Beryl Platt (1923-2015) was a distinguished engineer and campaigner for female education who worked on fighter aircraft during the Second World War.
WATER AND LAND
Splash, Burble, Gurgle, Whoosh (and the GREAT STINK!)
The World Premiere of the Essex Water Cycle MegaSong written by Essex children with scientists from Essex & Suffolk Water which shows just how far we have come from THE GREAT STINK of 1858 – the subject of this week’s smelly talk from Dr Patricia Fara.
WOMEN OF ESSEX
Forgetting to Remember
Essex Virtual Choir, a young engineering prodigy from Essex Steamettes, a quantum physicist and representatives from Essex 2020 and Snapping the Stilleto, joined Dr Patricia Fara to reflect on women in Essex Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths and Medicine through the ages and into the future. Many thanks to Essex Advisory Group, for their support in finding so many women from Essex History.