Here Come The Girl Guides: 100 years of Guiding in London
26 June 2010
To celebrate 100 years of guiding, the Museum of London Docklands is proud to open Here Come The Girl Guides on June 26, an exhibition exploring London’s historic role in the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in the UK.
The exhibition focuses on the guiding movement in London since the Girl Guides Association was created in 1910. Developed in partnership with Girlguiding London and South East England, the exhibition forms part of the year long centenary celebrations happening throughout the UK. The exhibition will include:
- 45 photographs
- Four pieces of film footage
- 53 objects and ephemera, including a 1910 electrician’s badge and a limited edition Kodak Girl Guide Camera from the 1930s
- Personal stories
Alongside a colourful account of guiding history, old-fashioned stereotypes of cake baking and below the knee skirts will be dispelled as the exhibition highlights the relevance of guiding in today’s contemporary society. Members of the guiding community will be able to recieve a unique and specially designed limited edition badge by visiting the show.
Jim Gledhill, Curator of Social and Working History at the Museum of London, said:
“With its origins in Edwardian London, guiding has survived to remain relevant to young people in the age of the Playstation. This exhibition will explore the history and changing identity of an organisation which has become part of the fabric of British youth culture. The centenary of guiding provides a timely opportunity to reflect on a movement which has been such an influence on generations of women.”
Alison Bruce, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Girlguiding London and South East England, said:
“Guiding has been an important part of the community and culture of London. Crystal Palace is, after all, the birthplace of our entire movement. Giving girls and young women the opportunity to learn and grow within a supportive environment is at the heart of Girlguiding UK. It is wonderful that the Museum of London Docklands has taken this ethos and created a fascinating and surprising exhibition for everyone to enjoy.”
Here Come The Girl Guides: 100 years of Guiding in London opens on 26 June 2010 and runs until 31 October 2010 at the Museum of London Docklands. Entry is free and a series of events for families and adults will run from June to October.
Notes to editors
- For more information or images, please contact Kate Rosser on 020 7814 5502 or krosser@museumoflondon.org.uk
- The Museums are open daily 10am – 6pm and are FREE to all
- Museum of London, Museum of London Docklands and Museum of London Archaeology seek to inspire a passion for London. For further information visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk
