Glasgow Women’s Library

The backdrop of this screen-printed banner is made up of repeating close-up images of women’s hands. The graphic shape that surrounds the central image was inspired by the group’s research into different flag and banner shapes. The texts were drawn from conversations around what it means to be a woman in 2018, as well as from research from material in the Glasgow Women's Library's archive and museum collection, notably the banner and badge collection. Individuals worked on texts for the smaller sections, as the group was keen to present a variety of women’s voices. The group then printed these together.

"The banner has all been screen printed and made up of smaller pieces around the edge of a larger central section. All the texts were drawn from conversations that we had within the workshops around what it is to be a woman in 2018, as well as from research from material in Glasgow Women's Library's archive, notably the banner and badge collection. It became apparent early on in the workshops that whilst we could like to come together collectively on the design and the message of the banner, that we could also like to have a range of different women’s voices present. Individual women then worked on texts for the smaller sections and we printed these together as a group in the workshops. The background of the banner is made up of repeating images of hands of women that we photographed in the workshop. The graphic shape that surrounds the central image was inspired by research into different flag and banner shapes that we looked at together." Helen de Main, Artist.

"I learned a lot of new things about the women’s suffrage movement and Helen helps you think about issues in a broader way, looking at how they affect all women in this country." Workshop participant.

Glasgow Women’s Library (GWL) is the only Accredited Museum in the UK dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements, with a lending library, archive collections and innovative programme of public events and learning opportunities. The organisation has grown from a small grassroots project into the main hub for information by, for and about women in Scotland and it is visited and enjoyed by people from around the world and around the corner. Based in an awarding-winning building in Glasgow's East End, GWL is open to all and has a presence across Scotland through their National programme of events and activities. Glasgow Women's Library was a finalist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018.

Safeguarding the history of your grandmothers.
Hearing the memories of your mothers.
Providing inspiration for your daughters.