The Seven Sisters of Newport
Posted on February 05, 2021 by Steph
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 and 3 primary schools across the city, involving 315 individuals.
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'.
JOAN - The Chartist period brought men and women together in marching for democracy and human rights. Joan Williams and Mary Brewer came to the forefront as a Chartist organisers in Newport.
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.
MARY - First Lady Mayor of Newport, Councillor, Magistrate and campaigner for equalrights, Mary Hart. Mary portrays how women have become respected and highly educated members of the work and social environment.
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.
