Welcome to the Women of Castle online exhibition.
The entrance to the Great Hall of Durham Castle (image courtesy of Durham, Castle Museum and Tours).
Unless stated otherwise, all imagery and media used throughout this exhibition were photographed and filmed by Bex Harvey. All quotations that are used in this exhibition were taken from the Women of Castle limited edition publication.
An introductory word on Women of Castle by Bex Harvey.
An introductory word on Women of Castle by Bex Harvey.
The Women of Castle project began with the desire to research and celebrate the social history of females within Durham Castle. Durham Castle is home to University College, which was established in 1837. Female students were first admitted in 1987, but women have always had a part to play in Castle.
A view of the Castle courtyard from the keep (image courtesy of Durham, Castle Museum and Tours).
University College Durham Trust funded and commissioned Bex to bring this project to life. She integrated herself into the Castle community and discovered and documented previously intangible knowledge, forgotten history, and stories. Throughout her research, she has created and accumulated one of the most extensive contemporary archives of Castle to date. This includes over 30 hours of recorded conversations and interviews, over 150 transcribed pages of interviews and around 5000 photographs.
Bex profiled ten Women of Castle. These women include staff, alumni and names from both the present and past communities. Find out the hidden history of these Women of Castle below.
From left: Lynne Robinson, Bex Harvey, Anna Poulson and Lynne Carrick on the opening evening of the Women of Castle exhibition. Behind them, you can see the two photographic light boxes that Bex created (Image courtesy of Durham Castle Museum and Tours).
About the Artist
Bex Harvey is an Artist, educator and arts facilitator. She describes her work below:
'I like to make things about people, with people. Predominantly, my work leads me to embed myself within specific communities, in order to creatively express individual and collective stories and share these in different ways.
Working with the wonderful people at Castle was an honour. Throughout the project I set myself the task of documenting and championing the female social history of the Castle, which only started accepting female students 30 years ago. I feel very privileged to have been able to speak and interact with many different people over the course of the project as this idea of making work with people, for people, is very much at the crux of my practice'.
You can find out more about Bex and her current projects at: www.bexharvey.com
A Foreword by the Artist
One of the things that I like most about Castle is its name.
University College, Durham has been affectionately titled ‘Castle’ for years - a fitting epithet for the oldest and ostensibly most traditional college of Durham University. Castle, for many, is a character itself: a living, breathing persona through and through. Anyone who becomes a part of Castle holds a relationship with both the people and the building.
My role within this was to celebrate the social and cultural history of women at Castle, within a space that has been predominantly cis male-dominated throughout its long history. The project was
originally titled ‘Heralding Women’, which is exactly what we are trying to do with it, but that language itself felt inaccessible and grand. In essence, this is a down-to-earth project: a social study on the female figures who have contributed, and are important to both the history and future of the college.
It struck me early that — in order to tell its stories — becoming a friend of Castle was imperative. I wanted to be a familiar face, an active participant, a voice and — perhaps most importantly — an ear. It was my job to listen, respond, make and show.
The entrance to the Great Hall of Durham Castle (image courtesy of Durham, Castle Museum and Tours).
The entrance to the Great Hall of Durham Castle (image courtesy of Durham, Castle Museum and Tours).
A view of the Castle courtyard from the keep (image courtesy of Durham, Castle Museum and Tours).
A view of the Castle courtyard from the keep (image courtesy of Durham, Castle Museum and Tours).
From left: Lynne Robinson, Bex Harvey, Anna Poulson and Lynne Carrick on the opening evening of the Women of Castle exhibition. Behind them, you can see the two photographic light boxes that Bex created (Image courtesy of Durham Castle Museum and Tours).
From left: Lynne Robinson, Bex Harvey, Anna Poulson and Lynne Carrick on the opening evening of the Women of Castle exhibition. Behind them, you can see the two photographic light boxes that Bex created (Image courtesy of Durham Castle Museum and Tours).
Anna Poulson (Former University College Senior Student)
Anna Poulson (Former University College Senior Student)
Lynn Everson (University College Alumni and First Lady).
Lynn Everson (University College Alumni and First Lady).
Jenny Dell (Former University College Senior Student).
Jenny Dell (Former University College Senior Student).
Local Dancer Megan Brown as Dame Margot Fonteyn.
Local Dancer Megan Brown as Dame Margot Fonteyn.
Pippa Prevost-Jones (Former University College Senior Student).
Pippa Prevost-Jones (Former University College Senior Student).
Lynne Carrick (Former University College Secretary)
Lynne Carrick (Former University College Secretary)
Eva Schumacher- Reid (Former Vice- Master of University College), (Image provided by University College).
Eva Schumacher- Reid (Former Vice- Master of University College), (Image provided by University College).
Cicely Shaw, front middle. (Former Castle Porter).
Cicely Shaw, front middle. (Former Castle Porter).
Sappho interpretation, 'Praise, Power, Protect' created and performed by Artists Bex Harvey and Sarah Li.
Sappho interpretation, 'Praise, Power, Protect' created and performed by Artists Bex Harvey and Sarah Li.
Lynne Robinson (Former team leader of housekeeping at University College).
Lynne Robinson (Former team leader of housekeeping at University College).
Listening.
Listening was a fundamental part of the research process. I had little connection with Castle when I started the project, and as an outsider, one of the most important things for me to do initially was to establish friendships and positive connections both within and outside the walls of Castle. Through this I met so many different and amazing people.
- Bex Harvey
An alternative tour of Durham Castle which summarises the history of women within the space.
An alternative tour of Durham Castle which summarises the history of women within the space.
EVA SCHUMACHER - REID
Vice- Master and Senior Tutor of University College (2008 -2016)
Photograph of Eva was provided by Ian Reid, all other images were taken by Artist Bex Harvey (2021).
Eva Schumacher- Reid was a talented linguist who joined Durham University in 2004, during this time, she earned the Outstanding Teacher Award. In 2008, Eva joined University College and took up the role of Senior Tutor and Vice- Master. She was the first woman to have ever done so. She made this role her life. Anyone who knew her could tell many lovely stories about her work ethic and personality.
Eva was Vice- Master until her death in 2016. Eva never stopped working and focussing on her students’ needs despite her own declining health.
Eva as Vice- Master of University College (Image courtesy of University College).
Eva as Vice- Master of University College (Image courtesy of University College).
Eva is fondly remembered by past students and members of staff for her enigmatic ways of teaching and connecting with people. Eva's aims in her role were to improve and progress the student welfare system. In addition, she helped students achieve their career goals by developing a mentoring system involving academics and professionals within different industries.
Eva's dog Otto (Image courtesy of Ian Reid).
Eva's dog Otto (Image courtesy of Ian Reid).
Every week, Eva’s contribution to the Castle Crier-the college’s weekly newsletter would take the viewpoint of her dog, Otto. 'Otto's Observations' allowed her to promote, inform and communicate with her students in a fun, personal and engaging manner. Eva was also an active advocate of the Castle Chapel Choir. She would always attend their weekly evening service.
Eva's rolling pin collection.
Eva's rolling pin collection.
In her free time, Eva enjoyed collecting, art and reading. She particularly enjoyed Agatha Christie novels, she owned every book that Agatha Christie ever wrote and even attended the Agatha Christie-themed Castle June ball event, dressed as Miss Marple. Eva collected many quirky objects such as old books and rolling pins.
The legacy that she has left University College with is her work in developing the student welfare system and the introduction of a mentoring scheme. Eva also keenly supported student run initiatives such as those concerning mental health. Her fun, kind nature is also well remembered and is often reminisced upon.
Eva’s posthumous involvement in Women of Castle reminds us of the legacy that she left behind and of the effort and selflessness that she put into her work here.
Lynne Carrick
University College Secretary (Retired)
When preparing for this project, Bex found that Lynne’s name came up the most as a must to interview. This is because during her long career at Durham Castle, she got to know everybody.
Lynne Carrick worked for Durham University until her retirement. She began her career as the Senior Tutor’s secretary at Grey College. She then left to have children, upon returning to work, she went to work in the Old Shire Hall. Lynne assisted in making the student records system in the University digital, she then carried out the same work in the Sciences faculty for a year, after which she finally came to Castle where Lynne remained until her retirement in 2017.
Lynne's role was as College Secretary for University College, she noted that she always enjoyed working at the Castle up until the day that she left. Her role within University College was pivotal in student support, and she was their first point of contact for many years.
One of Lynne's strongest memories during her time at Durham Castle are two occasions in which the Queen visited.
"Not long after I first joined, the Queen visited - we were dotted around the College on the route that she would take, we were told to say “Mam” not “Maam” and we had to curtsey. We were all part of this experience. The second time, the Queen came and went, and the Bursar completely forgot to come and get us!"
Lynne’s daughter chose to get married at Durham Castle. This decision was made due to the special connection that Lynne has with the building. Lynne’s mother was also a Durham University employee. She worked in finance in the Earth Sciences department, formerly known as Geological Sciences.
Lynne noted during her interview, that she remembers every student’s name that she ever worked with and held her role within the college close to her heart.
Lynne is no stranger, you may see her from time to time around Durham Castle as she is an active member of the Senior Common Room community. This image was photographed in the Bishops Dining Room.
Pippa Prevost-Jones
University College Alumna and former Senior Student (President of the Junior Common Room)
Of all the alumni who were profiled for Women of Castle, Pippa Prevost-Jones is the most recent graduate of University College.
Pippa is originally from Hertfordshire but moved to Calgary in Canada when she was 16 years old with her family. Her experience of moving from a small English Comprehensive school to a large Canadian high school was a turning point and one of the main deciding factors in studying at Durham. The collegiate system at Durham and the smaller community feel at Castle was exactly what Pippa wanted.
Whilst at Durham, Pippa studied Law but rather than enjoying this subject, she instead found that she had a flare and an enjoyment for sociology. After graduation, Pippa initially worked for a London law firm, on a graduate scheme, she now works as an accountant for the charity ‘Friends of the Earth’. Pippa much prefers this type of work as she did in study.
During her time at Castle, Pippa wanted to help in promoting the representation of women of colour and the LGBTQ+ community. She also aimed to bring the entire college community closer.
When she was elected as Senior Student in 2018, Pippa became the first Black woman to ever undertake this role. Her goals were clear to make events and provisions more accessible to all students. She achieved her goals in many ways. Such as reducing ticket prices for events and ensuring that student welfare roles were given to people who truly represented the whole college community. This was done with the hope that Black, Asian and LGBTQ+ communities within Castle would feel truly at home and more supported within the student body.
Pippa has fond memories of her time at Durham Castle, she loves the small family – like environment and many of the traditional aspects of Castle but also of the willingness to introduce new, more progressive traditions into the community.
I have a lot of stuff from Durham that I took away, I don't know what it will look like in 10 years. I hope it doesn't lose what makes it 'Castle'. Even when we were there, there was a huge feeling of nostalgia and the sense of being part of something.
- Pippa Prevost-Jones
Responding.
One of my favourite ways to work as an artist is in collaboration with other people. This work has only been possible as a result of all the people who have shared thoughts, stories, memories, concerns and joys with me throughout this project. I have simply assembled what has been gifted to me, and in that sense, I see this work as an entirely collaborative effort, produced by the people of Castle, for the people of Castle.
- Bex Harvey
Castle Curator Gemma Lewis on caring for the Castle, collections and emphasising the female presence within the space.
Castle Curator Gemma Lewis on caring for the Castle, collections and emphasising the female presence within the space.
Lynne Robinson
Housekeeping Team Leader, University College (retired)
Until recently, Lynne’s face was seen almost every day around Durham Castle as she has only recently retired after 33 years of service!
Lynne began her career here in November 1988, just a year after the First Ladies of Castle began studying at University College. During her time here, Lynne was known as the fastest moving person at Castle, she was constantly busy in her role and had a reputation for always being incredibly organised.
Lynne gathered knowledge of the historical and architectural quirks of the Castle. She knew each room like the back of her hand and could answer any question asked about the building. Lynne’s favourite part of the Castle is the Norman Gallery, she would often go to this space and sit in the relaxing atmosphere.
With 33 years of experience comes many stories and memories to go with it. Lynne was asked to part of Women of Castle for her incredible contribution to the running of Durham Castle. Prior to her leaving, Lynne was a permanent fixture in this space and her legacy will always remain here.
Lynne Robinson
Team Leader of Housekeeping, University College (retired)
Until recently, Lynne’s face was seen almost every day around Durham Castle as she has only recently retired after 33 years of service!
Lynne began her career here in November 1988, just a year after the First Ladies of Castle began studying at University College. During her time here, Lynne was known as the fastest moving person at Castle, she was constantly busy in her role and had a reputation for always being incredibly organised.
Lynne gathered knowledge of the historical and architectural quirks of the Castle, she knew each room like the back of her hand and could answer any question asked about the building. Lynne’s favourite part of the Castle is the Norman gallery, she would often go to this space and sit in the relaxing atmosphere.
With 33 years of experience, comes many stories and memories to go with it. Lynne was asked to part of Women of Castle for her incredible contribution to the running of Durham Castle. Prior to her leaving, Lynne was a permanent fixture in this space and her legacy will always remain here.
'If I'm driving through Durham with the boys in the back and they can see the Castle on the hill, they always shout out "look, there's Nan's Castle!"'.
Lynne and her colleagues in the Castle Courtyard at the beginning of her career (image courtesy of University College).
Lynne and her colleagues in the Castle Courtyard at the beginning of her career (image courtesy of University College).
'I really need to slow down. I’ve always been a fast-paced worker and...'
You’re a fast- paced lady!
'...Yeah, I know, I am, I’m terrible!'.
Jenny Dell
University College Alumna and Former Senior Student
Jenny came to Durham to study English Literature at a time when the role of ‘Senior Student’ was still known as ‘Senior Man’. For this reason, it is surprising to say that she graduated in 2013.
The use of the name ‘Senior Man’ was voted upon by the student body many times before it was eventually voted out and changed. Jenny retrospectively welcomes this change and admits that she is glad for the small step of progress that it bought.
During Jenny’s time at University College, she was very invested and passionate about politics within the University. When Jenny was elected as Senior Man, she specifically remembers wondering what other ‘Senior Men’ had done before her, she then thought about the Female ‘Senior Men’ and knew that she too could do a good job, like the women who came before her. Jenny was the first female trustee of the University College Durham Trust.
Jenny was approached to be a part of Women of Castle as she still serves the interests of current students through the University College Durham Trust. Her aim is to establish a mentorship scheme for students, with a particular focus on female alumni and their professional experiences after University.
'Because of the place and the size of the community that you’re part of, you do feel an ongoing relationship with it, as if you’re still there.
When you come back, you feel at home'.
Anna Poulson (née Cope)
University College Alumna and Former Senior Student
"God helps me to see where you're touching my life and the lives of others today"
Anna Poulson attended University College from 1991- 1994 and was the first woman to become Senior Student or ‘Senior Man’ as the role was named up until recent years.
Anna has always been a passionate Theologian, having studied Theology at Durham University. She later gained her PhD in Christian Ethics at King’s College, London. In 1994, the first women were ordained as priests in the Church of England; Anna’s stepmother was ordained that year.
Anna began her own ordination training in 1998, she trained at Ridley Hall in Cambridge. She completed her PhD as a part of that training and was ordained at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 2002.
Today, Anna is still an ordained Priest and is the mother to four children. Her congregation is in an area of London where predominantly Black and Asian communities live. She recognises that the Church of England is still a largely white institution and feels passion and a responsibility for enabling a more diverse leadership within her congregation.
Anna also tries to make her congregation as accessible and inclusive as she possibly can, she has neutralised pronouns in the hymns that are sung and understands that patriarchal language patterns can dim the work of otherwise inclusive spaces.
'For me, being a priest is about connecting people and God. It’s not always easy when you walk into a place and you’ve got a dog collar on because people make assumptions about you straight away - they see the bit of plastic and they think “Oh, that’s got something to do with God”, and immediately switch off!'
Anna was the first person to be approached about Women of Castle. She feels honoured to be part of the first female representation in the Great Hall, amongst the many men on the walls. Throughout Bex's journey with this project, Anna has supported and championed her throughout her creative process.
Cicely Shaw
Former Castle Porter and Lady of the Lodge
Cicely Shaw lived in the space above the Porter’s Lodge at Durham Castle for over 50 years!
If listed, a Castle Porter's responsibilities and job description would be incredibly long and versatile. Those who live and work in Castle rely on the team of Porters for a multitude of important duties that they carry out, and have done for many years. Here at Durham Castle, Porters are responsible for the everyday care and security of the Castle and its inhabitants, they are also the handiest people that you could think to meet! Porters are the keepers of the keys, grounds and are above all, in charge of keeping everyone safe.
Cicely may be the most well remembered of all previous Castle Porters. She moved to Durham Castle in 1938 when she was nine years old, as her Father was offered the position of Head Porter. Her mother was also the first female Porter at University College.
Eventually, Cicely also took up this role!
Known endearingly as ‘the lady of the lodge’, Cicely was an auntie figure to countless past students and many have good memories of her strict but kind-hearted nature. She was still working when the First Ladies arrived at Castle in 1987, she then retired 2 years later in 1989.
The memory of Cicely fondly reminds many Castle alumni of the mischief that they got up to in their youth. These stories often involve being outwitted or being caught sneaking in or out of the Castle after curfew by her.
Cicely was an institution at University College for many years. Whilst no longer being with us, her inclusion in Women of Castle recognises her many years of service and lasting impact that she has had on the Castle community.
Cicely Shaw (front middle), alongside her colleagues before her retirement (image courtesy of University College).
Cicely Shaw (front middle), alongside her colleagues before her retirement (image courtesy of University College).
Below is a letter to Bex from Alison Pearson which tells us more about the Memory of Cicely. This letter was taken from the Women of Castle publication.
Dear Bex,
I gather you are appealing for any memories of Cicely Shaw. I first became aware of Cicely when I was an undergraduate at St. Aidan’s College from 1959 to 1962, most especially in my third year when I was going out with a fellow third year in Castle, Neville Pearson, who in due course became my husband.
In those early days, she was of course one of very few women regularly to set foot in Castle. I cannot quite remember if her mother, Mrs. Shaw, was still living and working in the Gatehouse at that time, but it is Cicely I remember. Obviously we girlfriends were only allowed into Castle for limited hours in the afternoon and had to be scrutinised by Cicely or her mother before grudgingly being admitted past the Gatehouse. That being said, once you become known as a ‘regular’, you might be graced with a fleeting smile. This smile became much broader in later years when, as the now respectable Mrs. Pearson, I returned to Durham on the occasion of many Castle Reunions, and later still when I appeared again as the mother, and also mother-in-law of Castle graduates in the 1990s. By then, Cicely was delighted to reminisce about the olden times, the Masters she served under during her long career and the people she was still in touch with.
As a student, my husband had one or two ‘run-ins’ with Cicely, due to the sometimes unconventional hours at which he was trying to gain access to his room in the Keep, but she was always polite and apologetic about the fact that she had no alternative but to report the matter to Mr Slater, the Master. I am not sure whether or not she was aware of my own hideous crime of dressing as a man and eating a formal dinner (MEN ONLY!) one evening in the Great Hall, but I like to think she would have given a wan smile and commented that “Nothing took me by surprise in those days!”.
I certainly would not wish her role in the history of women of Castle to pass unrecognised, and I have nothing but affection for her and the friendship she showed to all members of our family. I am so glad you are keeping memories of Cicely alive.
Good luck with your project, and all best wishes,
Alison Pearson
Below are memories from University College Alumni about Cicely Shaw, people who remember her and her role at Castle.
I was living in the Keep in early 1971 and held a drag party one evening for about 40 people in my rooms which were just under Dr Mathew who was my history tutor. The next day Cicely, who had had to let this band of miscreants in and out the previous evening said “Oh Mr Shelley, some of your friends have very fine legs!” She must have seen a lot of strange sights in her career in the Lodge!
Cicely Shaw (front middle) on her retirement day (Image courtesy of University College).
Cicely Shaw (front middle) on her retirement day (Image courtesy of University College).
There was a constant battle of wits between my friend Tom and Cicely who did her best to catch him using one of the several routes that he’d created for after-hours entry. His favourite was by climbing up the coal chute that led into the Master’s lodgings through an open door at the top. She eventually worked this out and locked the door. Tom found he couldn’t get in and tried to batter it down while Cicely stood at the other side asking ‘Is that you, Mr Worsley?’ I remember her well.
My memory is of an efficient and kindly person.
Only one story comes to mind. As I recall, she was a little taken aback when my identical twin brother turned up outside the gatehouse and she was convinced correctly that I was already inside.
Cicely Shaw from Castellum 1987-88 (Image courtesy of University College).
Cicely Shaw from Castellum 1987-88 (Image courtesy of University College).
Margot Fonteyn
Chancellor of Durham University (1981-1991)
Dame Margot Fonteyn was the first female Chancellor of a British University who was not a member of the Royal Family. She took up the role at Durham University in 1981 and held it until her death in 1991.
Margot found international acclaim as a classical ballet dancer and is still regarded as one of the best. She spent her entire career as a ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet. Her musicality and technical perfection made her an international star.
Margot has had multiple spaces around Durham University named in her honour, such as the Fonteyn Ballroom which is located in the Student Union. In Durham Castle, the Margot Fonteyn Entrance, which is located in Screens Passage, is also dedicated to her memory. With an oil painting and her photograph hanging on the wall, this is the first space within the Castle which was built in honour of a woman. However, these spaces are not well recognised for what they are by the student population, and many are unaware of the legacy of Margot Fonteyn at Durham University.
Margot was included in Women of Castle because of her legacy within the Castle and Durham University. Since she was included in this project posthumously, the images which represent her was posed for by Megan Brown who is a locally based dancer and a fan of Margot Fonteyn and her life’s work. Bex photographed Megan to capture Margot Fonteyn's spirit and to interpret Margot's character through dance and performance
Bex and Megan thoroughly discussed the research, preparation, choreography and full creative process of successfully emulating Margot Fonteyn in the Dance performance that Megan choreographed.
They thought about Margot's upbringing and life in the spotlight. Her more humble beginnings, her birth name of 'Margaret Hookham' and empowering life events and achievements.
Making.
The more stories I heard, the more ambitious the work became. I began this journey with a proposal that initially sought to create four portraits of significant women, which would be displayed in two photographic lightboxes.
Over the course of my research, this evolved into the ten women that you see profiled here today, and I could have easily kept going! The contribution of a number of the ‘First Ladies’ led me to realise that I wanted to celebrate them as a cohort within the project, which led to the re-making of the 13-12 flag.
- Bex Harvey
Introducing the First Ladies
The 'First Ladies' is a name used for the group that consists of 45 women who, in 1987, arrived at University College. They were the first females to ever be admitted to University College. Until that year, only men were able to apply.
A vote was cast by the existing student body on whether or not to allow women to be a part of University College. 52% voted for the notion with the remaining 48% defeated.
The passing of this notion led to more positive changes for both University College and its community. The college rapidly became the most popular to apply to at Durham University. Since 1987, there have been 8 female Senior Students (the JCR President, formerly known as Senior Men).
The First Ladies made their mark in many other ways during their time at University College. They displayed their aptitude and victory in sports such as Rowing and Rugby. They also established their 'First Ladies' club in January 1988. The bond that they built then, is still as strong today despite having gone in different directions in life.
At their 25 year Castle reunion, the ladies came back together for the first time since they graduated in 1991. Lynn Everson, who is also one of the ten profiled women, was described as 'instrumental' in bringing the ladies back together once again for this event.
The Flag
3 members of the first ladies holding the original victory flag (Image courtesy of Fi Barker).
3 members of the first ladies holding the original victory flag (Image courtesy of Fi Barker).
The original flag, which can be seen in the photograph above, was made in Castle in 1987 by the first ladies Fi Stevenson and Cozmo Bell. They made this flag to celebrate their victorious and memorable 13-12 Castle vs Hatfield rugby win.
From Left: Stephanie Burette, Emma Ferraris, Julia Bonner, Wendy Powers, Laura Littlefair, Zoe Osborn, Ellen Crabtree, Gemma Lewis.
From Left in background: Stephanie Burette, Emma Ferraris, Julia Bonner, Wendy Powers, Laura Littlefair, Zoe Osborn, Ellen Crabtree, Gemma Lewis. Artist Bex Harvey at front right of image.
When they made this flag, the First Ladies were still new students at University College. This victorious sporting event brought the new female cohort of students together with the rest of Castle for the first time. It was a story of camaraderie and joyful celebration, especially since Hatfield College are Castle's traditional sporting rivals.
As part of the Women of Castle project, Bex has created a replica flag. She made it so that it is almost identical to the original, but with the addition of the names of the 45 First Ladies added around the edges of the flag.
The flag created by Bex Harvey, photographed in the Castle courtyard alongside the original image.
The flag created by Bex Harvey, photographed in the Castle courtyard alongside the original image.
From Left: Stephanie Burette, Emma Ferraris, Julia Bonner, Wendy Powers, Laura Littlefair, Zoe Osborn, Ellen Crabtree, Gemma Lewis.
From Left: Stephanie Burette, Emma Ferraris, Julia Bonner, Wendy Powers, Laura Littlefair, Zoe Osborn, Ellen Crabtree, Gemma Lewis.
From Left in background: Stephanie Burette, Emma Ferraris, Julia Bonner, Wendy Powers, Laura Littlefair, Zoe Osborn, Ellen Crabtree, Gemma Lewis. Artist Bex Harvey at front right of image.
From Left in background: Stephanie Burette, Emma Ferraris, Julia Bonner, Wendy Powers, Laura Littlefair, Zoe Osborn, Ellen Crabtree, Gemma Lewis. Artist Bex Harvey at front right of image.
Lynn Everson (née Pilling)
University College Alumna and First Lady
Lynn Everson was a member of the First Ladies of University College, as until 1987, Castle did not allow female students.
This milestone was incredibly important to Lynn and to all the women who joined Castle in 1987. Their matriculation started the transformation of University College’s student community as a more inclusive space, this first step of progression still continues today.
In 2021, Lynn passed away. She had been battling with breast cancer since 2016 . Sadly, she was unable to see the completion of this project despite her fabulous contributions and support throughout.
Bex was able to visit Lynn in October 2020 to interview and photograph her, Bex reflects upon this day with the feelings of privilege and happiness. The next section includes a portion of text from the Women of Castle publication, written by Lynn, it best encompasses her personality and voice.
I was born in Alabama, USA to Yorkshire expats who travelled around a bit when I was young, eventually settling in Northumberland, where I spent most of my youth. I went to a state school, (Ponteland County High) and ended up at Durham to study Maths. Who could resist being one of the first girls to go to college in a Castle?
Lynn in her university days (image provided by Fi Barker).
I developed a love for rowing at Durham and, like many, Durham was my first time rowing. My love of rowing is all about the camaraderie of the crew. Whatever else happens in your life; boyfriends, work, etc, the routine of training and the support of your crew focused on the same goal was constant and immensely comforting. The nature of the sport is such that, to row successfully, those crew have to be dependable friends that you need to know and trust intimately, as you train four or more times a week together. I always remember having happy days out on the boat, especially if it wasn’t raining!
Upon leaving Durham, I joined Putney Town Rowing Club, which was a more social club than some on the Thames, and took several other Castlemen with me, including my now husband, Paul. I competed in the Women’s Henley Gala in 2003, the same year that I married Paul. We got married at Castle; we had our reception there; it was lovely. It just seemed like a good idea. We grew up there, we met there, why not get married there?
Lynn and her husband Paul.
I wasn’t particularly mature when I was at Castle, I was always up to something stupid, or causing some sort of havoc. I’m far more organised now than I was at College; I’m now a finance director.
I went on to become the youngest female finance director working for Viacom, a division of Paramount Pictures. As an employee, I was always growing and changing jobs, which presented lots of challenges; The film industry is quite cut-throat, even in the accounting side. It was also incredibly male-dominated at the board level so I think my experience being a First Lady definitely helped me hold my own within that environment. I was one of the youngest Viacom finance directors in charge of UK and Ireland home entertainment (VHS and DVD), which seem so outdated now!
When we got to Castle (the First Ladies), we just wanted to be the same as the boys, we didn’t want to be treated any differently. We were a class of strong, effervescent young women who quite happily accepted the challenge of drinking everyone under the table.
The year below were a little more sensible than us as a cohort and had more of a feminist agenda, you might say. We were ‘laddish’, ‘tomboy’ ladies who just wanted to be part of it all.
I don’t deserve all the credit for getting us together as adults. There were some incredibly assertive women in our group, such as Fiona Spencer Grayson (née Wilcox) and Melanie Jappy, who brought the First Ladies together as a committee in the first place. They were more responsible in our youth, and organised us well. But I took on the task of getting us back together again.
Bloody Fi, it was definitely her fault, it was her idea in the first place, she said “wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a first ladies reunion after 25 years, Lynn?” and I said “Yeah, great” and then she sort of paused and said - “You could do that right, Lynn, you’re good at organising stuff...” So it turned into quite a detective experience.
When I left Castle I had a little address book with all of the First Ladies addresses in, so I was writing letters to all of these 25 year old addresses and hoping that their parents were still there to pass it on. Other than that, I basically stalked everyone on social media, it was quite an undertaking.
Castle meant a lot to me and I’ve kept hold of the keepsakes and what you might call memorabilia, for some reason. I don’t really know why, it’s probably a bit silly, I can’t really sit there and show my daughter dinner menus or letters we wrote to each other. She wouldn’t have any interest in them, or understand why they were important. But they just were. I grew up a lot at Castle, it was a place that opened up lives a lot. I left college thinking that I wanted my kids to have a similar experience, to be a part of this kind of community.
An invite to the Annual Bar Committee Dinner at University College from 1990 (image provided by the Everson family).
I think that one of the things I am proud of is giving up the corporate life to focus on what I think is important, to bring up my family. I married my husband Paul in 2003 and we have two children, Lottie and Ben. There is so much pressure to not ‘waste’ your education as a woman, with a very odd stigma attached to it. It was precisely that education and experience that I wanted to impart upon my family, so how can that ever be a waste?
Since moving to Wiltshire I have continued to work part time in a professional capacity for small farm businesses which has allowed me to juggle work, home and village life in such a way that would have been impossible in London. I love the village life that we have managed to give our children, who are now teenagers, which is priceless.
'We sat and had lunch, we chatted to the budgie, talked about Lynn’s love of Disney (“Not obnoxious Disney, I like subtle Disney”) and her love of Disneyland (four holidays there). A Castle woman through and through, her and Paul (also a Castle man) married there. She has Castle artwork adorning her living room walls'. - Bex Harvey
Lynn's love for her time at Castle never left her and she was extremely proud of her own accomplishments and of those made by all the First Ladies. Her contribution to the Women of Castle project was immense. She freely gave her time, personal archives, and wealth of knowledge of Castle and of the First Ladies.
Lynn and her husband Paul.
Lynn and her husband Paul.
An invite to the Annual Bar Committee Dinner at University College from 1990 (image provided by the Everson family).
An invite to the Annual Bar Committee Dinner at University College from 1990 (image provided by the Everson family).
Lynn in her university days (image provided by Fi Barker).
Lynn in her university days (image provided by Fi Barker).
Sappho (c.630-570 BC)
Background image of Sappho bust provided by Adam Goodwin.
Sappho, or Psappho, was a Greek poet from the Island of Lesbos, thought to be alive from around 630 -570 BC. She recited most of her poetry with the accompaniment of a lyre that she played herself, and thus, her work is understood to be musical and lyrical in style.
Her poetry has only ever been discovered as ‘fragments’, most of it lost. Translated by many people throughout history, her works have been interpreted, debated and puzzled over for a number of years, often falling victim to mistranslation, or indicative of the more conservative era in which they were dissected.
Despite many claims to the contrary, Sappho was widely understood to be a woman who enjoyed the company of women. Her poetry ostensibly detailing romantic, emotional and sexual love between women; the language ‘sapphic’ and ‘lesbian’ that we use commonly now are derivatives of her name and her homeland, respectively. As a result, she has become a queer icon, with questions of her gender identity having also been speculated.
- Bex Harvey on Sappho
Background image provided by Bob Elsey.
The 19th century plaster cast bust of Sappho has lived in Durham Castle since the Victorian period. Her original purpose was for teaching classics to students.
The bust of Sappho now takes pride of place in the Great Hall after having recently undergone extensive conservation work. Until her placement, there was no artistic representation of women in the Great Hall at all.
Her placement was a deliberate act by the Castle Curator Gemma Lewis, who wanted to add some form of female presence into the space. The other busts and portraiture that were displayed in the Great Hall all represented white, cis-gendered men.
Sappho now shares this space with the two lightboxes that Bex created, two of the ten profiled women's photographs sit in these lightboxes on a rotational basis.
The Restoration of the Sappho Bust
A drawing by conservator Bob Elsey which shows the damaged state of the Sappho bust (Image provided by Bob Elsey).
A drawing by conservator Bob Elsey which shows the damaged state of the Sappho bust (Image provided by Bob Elsey).
The Sappho bust had been missing from Durham Castle for many years, but staff only had basic records on the object and didn't know what had happened to it.
The bust was returned home to Castle after another University found it in their possession and thought that it belonged to Durham Castle. Upon comparing old archival photographs, a photograph was found of the Sappho bust on the Black Stairs, and it was confirmed and returned. She was in need of conservation.
Bob Elsley, the conservator who repaired her, recalls that, among other damage. She had pits in her face, her nose had been removed and she had a sizable chunk missing from her head.
Overall, the price of the restoration that was needed was a lot more than the bust was worth. The decision to fix her anyway came about as Sappho is an icon, her restoration was so important as she had been mistreated so badly, and she was one of few representations of a woman with this sort of power within the Castle.
'I liked the job very much, I wanted to do it. But particularly, I didn’t like what happened to her, to the bust. I didn’t like what they’d done; It’s a total disregard of art and I didn’t like that at all'. - Bob Elsey on the Sappho bust restoration.
This performance titled 'Praise, Power, Protect', was shot in the Norman Chapel at Durham Castle by Adam Goodwin. The piece was performed and edited by Artists Bex Harvey and Sarah Li.
This performance titled 'Praise, Power, Protect', was shot in the Norman Chapel at Durham Castle by Adam Goodwin. The piece was performed and edited by Artists Bex Harvey and Sarah Li.
Acrylic white, tacky when wet.
Taken, altered and mauled,
They considered my form.
With a fold of clasped hands and searching eyes.
I might be a woman
I might be woman as object, as statue, as figure, as motif;
coloured with meaning
I am only half here but I can feel the scratch of cold
around my ankles.
Fragmented and burdened
under this dense cloud.
Photographed and studied
from every possible angle.
Object.
Yes I am the object of your study,
the object of desire and I thoroughly object to this.
The cracks ran deep
through which bled plaster and cinder fill.
Grey scraped off,
I was scoured to bone and shapeless form.
It was darkly comical, the colour of ashen blue.
I am an idol
a smattering of pixels.
A scan, my hair the product of guesswork.
Yet I am made from these, and recognised again.
Pigments bound,
A sheen reflects the burnt orange pool
That gilds me through the window
on to the back of my neck.
Poem by Bex Harvey
Showing.
It is my great hope that all of the people I spoke to throughout the project will be able to come along to see their contribution recognised in some way. Most importantly, I hope that the friendships and connections we forged along the way are sustained and evolve. Above all, I hope that the female and non-binary community of Castle feels recognised within this space of individual and collective belonging.
To quote Pippa Prevost-Jones, former Castle student and the first black female Senior Student at Castle:
'It’s about time that there were women on the wall'.
…and now there are.
- Bex Harvey
Thank You for visiting this exhibition, we hope that you enjoyed exploring the history of the Women of Castle.
A thank you from Bex:
Grateful Thanks
This project is the product of over three years of research and participation within the Castle community. So many people contributed to this project, its ideas, the artwork etc. I want to extend my warmest thanks and gratitude to the whole Castle staff team; academic, pastoral, support and logistical. They have been welcoming, they have been supportive, they have been patient and they have always been kind.
Specific thanks to:
Gemma Lewis
Laura Littlefair
Chelsea Dixon
Ellen Crabtree
Wendy Powers
Julia Bonner
Janet Kelly
Zoë Osborn
Hazel Donkin
Ian Reid
Sarah Bradbury
Kevin Christensen
Nick Malyan
The Everson Family
Fi Barker
Cozmo Bell
Sheena Wilkinson
Sarah Lucy Cooper
The ‘First Ladies’ of Castle
Sarah Li
Megan Brown
Adam Goodwin
Sam Thorpe
Bob Elsey
This project was funded by University College Durham Trust. I am so grateful for their support and trust throughout this process.
And to my ten featured Women of Castle, thank you.
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Afterword
This is an ongoing story and the student Feminist Society of University College are going to do a wonderful job of ensuring the legacy of this project, because it does not just stop here — A developed online archive with a clear agenda moving forward will ensure that all communities within Castle are visible, represented, and continue to be celebrated.
- Bex Harvey
If you would like to learn more about the Women of Castle project, you can purchase the limited edition book by Artist Bex Harvey by following this link: Women of Castle Book at Durham University Official Shop
This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Lynn Everson (née Pilling).
Lynn kindly contributed her time, precious keepsakes and memories to this project. Sadly, she was unable to see its completion.
Thank you Lynn.
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