Seven Sisters of Newport, 2019
Posted on February 03, 2021 by Steph
Photo credit, Jo Haycock Photography
Seven Sisters of Newport
In 2018, Newport City Council successfully received two Heritage Fund Grants to create a series of community mosaics that celebrate women through Newport's history.
Directed and facilitated by artist Stephanie Roberts, the mosaics were created through collaboration with community groups across the city.
These unique artworks are a homage to 170 years of women's struggle for freedom of choice.
St. Paul’s Walk is a community space that celebrates all 'Sisters'.
Photo credit, Jo Haycock Photography
Why dedicate a space to women of Newport?
This collection of public artwork was created out of respect to Newport women.
As a response to the historic and contemporary facts and stories that were uncovered, the actions and sensibilities of these women, who through hard times found empowerment and became truly inspirational.
St. Paul's Walk has become a landmark monument to these women who fought for Human Rights and Women's Rights. From past to present, the Seven Sisters mosaics depict episodes in time, that continue to relate to all our lives today; encouraging us to remember these strong courageous women.
The aim was to reach out to communities across the city and share these women's stories. This resulted in sixteen community groups, collaborating in the conceptual designing and placing of each carefully considered tile. Over 300 community members with women, men and children participating.
The importance of St. Paul's Church together with these women's stories, inspired the use of stained glass, drawing visual conversations with its windows.
The Seven Sisters
MINNIE - Women of Newport, worked for their country at home and abroad during the First World War effort, like Minnie Sanders a munitions worker. Their bravery and determination kept the country running while their men fought on the front.
MARGARET - The Right to Vote campaign championed two 'Societies' of women - the peaceful progress, Suffragists and the activists, Suffragettes. Lady Rhondda is Newport's most prolific Suffragette.
RUBY – The Second World War brought many women of Newport to aid the war effort, such as munitions worker Ruby Loftus. Many of the women of Newport would have also worked as nurses for the Red Cross.
NATASHA - Athlete, Natasha Cockram, female winner of the first Newport marathon, illustrates that through determination sport is becoming an educated career choice for women.
ESI - Represents a modern woman of Newport. She illustrates how education in Freedom of Choice and Equal Rights enables her to approach life, nurturing respect and harnessing equal opportunities.
Photo credit, Jo Haycock Photography
Photo credit, Jo Haycock Photography
Photo credit, Jo Haycock Photography
Photo credit, Jo Haycock Photography
Photo credit, Jo Haycock Photography
