On Tuesday 5 March, Cheshire multi award-winning Lion Salt Works Museum near Northwich will open a unique exhibition called 'Wartime Industry and Working Women in Cheshire, 1941-1950'. The exhibition is based on stories, documents and photos shared by the dedicated women who kept the county going during both World Wars. It re-creates the human stories behind what life was like for the women left behind and their legacy. The exhibition will be open until 27 May and is subject to the Museum’s normal entry charges. For more information go to www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk or phone the Museum on 01606 275066.
The exhibition has been curated by Chester-based volunteer, Joseph Roberts and Gina Cottam, Learning Officer, West Cheshire Museums. Joseph Roberts said: "The exhibition celebrates the contribution women workers made during both WWI and WWII in the local area, as they changed from domestic roles such as seamstress and cook to undertaking heavy manual and mechanical work at local factories including Northwich's Winnington Works. Included are photographic images from Cheshire Archives and museum collections, alongside digital copies of work by local female war artist Ethel Gabain, who painted women at work during World War II."
Councillor Louise Gittins, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: "This is a fascinating and timely exhibition and also includes details of how attitudes towards women changed after the war. It also has a section showing the commissioned photos of women working at ICI, which is particularly interesting.
The Lion Salt Works Museum tells the story of salt through fun, interactive displays including an impressive sound and light show, 'subsiding house' and automaton. One of the last open-pan, salt-making sites in the world, the Museum is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument with the same status as Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall. The Museum has won nine awards since its four-year, £10m restoration in 2015, including winning 2016's National Lottery's 'Best Heritage Project 2016' after a public vote and the Sandford Award for teaching excellence. The Museum is also a Children's University Learning Destination.