GWL is so much more than just a library. It’s a veritable treasure trove. And here’s where much of the treasure is hidden.
As well as being filled with wonderful books on every aspect of being a woman, our library is choc-a-bloc with boxes like this. Much of what we have is in storage underneath the Mitchell Library and in the basement of Hillhead Library in Byres Road, so moving to our new home in Landressy Street in Bridgeton is going to be very exciting. Like when you’re moving house and clean out all the cupboards and attic, only to discover all those things you’d forgotten you even had.
But we do have some wonderful little treasures easily accessible in our current home at the Mitchell. I don’t know about you, but I love mysteries, and when I came across these little parcels, lovingly wrapped and stored in an archive box, I could hardly contain my excitement.
Now, I knew that this particular box contains objects from the time of the Suffragettes, and as well as the little parcels I found this.
In fact, this is very like an autograph book my mother had. My mum’s, I suppose, was like a very early version of the American Year Book; it was signed by all her friends when she left school in 1935, just before her 14th birthday. But this is a slightly different animal and dates back over a hundred years; it’s nothing less than an album kept by a Suffragette, whose friends have filled it with messages and artwork, including:
Don’t you just love that oversized hat? And the bag with THE VOTE written on it. When I used to campaign door-to-door during elections I was always shocked if a woman said she wasn’t interested in politics, she couldn’t be bothered voting. ‘It’s up to you who you vote for,’ I’d say. ‘But remember how hard the women before you fought just to have that right. So please go out and use it.’
But what about those gorgeous little parcels I tempted you with at the start of this blog? Well, as my dear mother would have said, sometimes it’s best not to have all your treats at once…
Oh, okay, I’ll reveal one now. Something that may well have been worn by the woman who created the beautiful drawing above: a brooch sporting the purple, green and white colours of the Suffrage movement.
So that leaves two surprises for another day. You’ll just have to pop over to this blog again – or make the effort to come into GWL where that welcoming cup of tea awaits you – to find out what other treasures we have hidden here!
Magi
PS READ, RELAX, RECHARGE TODAY WITH WENDY & MAGI! We’ll read you a short story and a poem while you lunch. Relaxed, interesting, entertaining. a must for women who love talking reading and books with other women. 12 – 2pm Bring along a bite of lunch.
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