Born in 1886, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth defied the expectations of her class and era instead of choosing a conventional path, she chose one of purpose – building spaces of learning, dignity and community. The Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, which she began and nurtured throughout her life, is now one of the most significant of its kind in the UK.
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
She was a founding force in the Girl Guide movement in Lancashire and a tireless advocate for women’s education and opportunity. Jane Hellebrand started her research in 2012 while volunteering at Gawthorpe and her work on the biography gained pace during lockdown.
The title ‘Undaunted’ takes its name from a pair of engraved needlework scissors gifted to her in 1933 when she opened an Unemployed Women’s Club in Burnley. The word perfectly captures her resilience in the face of personal and societal loss – including the deaths of both her brothers in WW1 and her nephews in WW11.
Today, Rachael’s story continues, not only through exhibitions and education, but through responsible commercial partnerships that use designs from the Collection to create high quality products.
We are delighted to welcome Rachael Kay-Shuttleworth’s great nephew, Lord Shuttleworth who will make the introduction to the Literary Lunch.
This event includes a two-course meal.
This event takes place in the newly refurbished Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Blackburn, BB1 1FB.
Time: 12 noon for 12.30pm
Tickets can be purchased in person at Checks & Greys café, online via the link below or via BACS transfer.
Please make payment to Blackburn Cathedral Trust via BACS to Natwest Account:
Sort code: 01-00-85 | Account No: 14578662 Using the reference “ Undaunted ”.
