“Women talk”

I think they quite liked being arrested by a woman (Stella Emmanuel)

2 April – 27 June 2004
at the Museum of London

“Women talk” places the memories of Londoners centre stage. Personal testimony is at the heart of this exciting new installation, which reflects upon the changing experiences of women within living memory. An innovative display without objects or written text, “Women talk” offers fascinating and often moving insights into the lives of women and the roles that they have played during the last century.

Claire Rayner, who speaks of her shock at seeing the effects of a back street abortion in the 1950s, is only one of the women who share their memories. “Women talk” is absorbing in the obvious courage and humour of the women featured and the vividness of their stories: the young woman hoping to become a rabbi, the local councillor, the woman who started a career in fashion at the age of 50, the mothers bringing up children throughout the century, the mortuary technician, the woman who supported her family by teaching poor children after the First World War, the police officer of the 1950s. As with all stories it is the details that count, illuminating personal achievements, changing attitudes, and struggles that are still familiar today.

“Women talk” website

Production details