Wallsend exhibition of 'neglected' history of women in shipyards opens

24 October 2023

News image — Women worked at numerous shipyards during World War One include Swan Hunter in Wallsend

Crown A female worker operating a magazine drilling plate at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear. — Women worked at numerous shipyards during World War One include Swan Hunter in Wallsend

The "neglected" history of women involved in the shipbuilding industry is being documented in an exhibition.

During World War One, with many of the men from the north east of England away fighting, women kept the maritime industry going, Historic England said.

Shipyards including Swan Hunters in Wallsend, Palmers in Hebburn, and at Haverton Hill on Teesside all took on women workers.

The display at Wallsend's Forum shopping centre runs until 19 November.

Historic England Archive Shipyards on the River Tyne, 1935.Wallsend on the left and Hebburn on the right. — The River Tyne in 1935 with Wallsend shipyards on the left and Hebburn on the right

Local people are being invited to contribute their own family stories, photographs and memorabilia to the Women in Shipbuilding project, which has used photographs from the Imperial War Museum for the exhibition.

The project is being led by Historic England and charity Lloyd's Register Foundation's Heritage and Education Centre.

Antony Firth, Head of Marine Strategy at Historic England, said: "These photographs of women working in the shipyards really struck me when I first saw them, as they show women directly involved in heavy, skilled engineering rather than on assembly lines.

"Although they are not named, I am sure they have stories that will provide inspiration to women in maritime engineering today."

Crown Female workers handing heavy timbers at Palmers' Shipbuilding and Iron Company, Hebburn — Women carrying heavy timbers at Palmers' Shipbuilding and Iron Company, Hebburn

It is hoped the exhibition might inspire more women to join the maritime industry.

Alex Stitt, Director of Lloyd's Register Foundation's Heritage and Education Centre, said: "It's clear the role of women in the maritime industry has been neglected throughout history and this lack of recognition has created barriers to entry for many aspiring female shipbuilders, seafarers and ocean engineers."

The Women's Engineering Society said currently only 16.5% of engineers are women.

The organisations hope with the help of local people, more stories will emerge to create a short film to be released in Spring 2024.