Faculty researchers celebrate 100 years of the Electrical Association for Women with centenary events

Founded on 12 November 1924, the EAW quickly became the UK’s leading organisation for empowering women to participate in modernising energy consumption

Researchers in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will mark the centenary of the launch of the Electrical Association for Women (EAW) this November with two special events highlighting women’s roles in the electrification of homes and their contributions to the electrical industry. 

Founded on 12 November 1924, the EAW quickly became the UK’s leading organisation for empowering women to participate in modernising energy consumption. A trailblazing organisation, the Association offered qualification schemes that enabled thousands of women to pursue technical careers in the electrical industry. Yorkshire – particularly Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield and Harrogate – became a hub of activity for the EAW, inspired by founding member Mabel Lucy Matthews, who came from Wakefield, and notable figures such as Laura Annie Willson, a former suffragette and pioneering engineer from Halifax. Although Bradford was the first city in Yorkshire to be electrified, Leeds was the first city in Yorkshire to host a Branch of the EAW in 1928.

As part of the national Electric Dreams project marking the EAW’s centenary, Graeme Gooday, Professor of History of Science & Technology at the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science (PRHS) and Dr Katie Carpenter, Lecturer in Public History at the School of History, will speak at the two events on Tuesday 12 November.

Professor Graeme Gooday and Dr Katie Carpenter said:

“These centenary occasions will offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the EAW and its pioneering work in empowering women to take on technical roles in an era when such opportunities were rare. We hope people will join the discussions to celebrate the achievements of women in electrical engineering and explore what their legacy means for the future of energy and gender equality.”

Exploring the Legacy of the Electrical Association for Women: 12pm-1pm, Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery will take place from 12pm to 1pm at the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, Parkinson Court.

This lunchtime event will explore the profound influence the EAW had on promoting women’s professional expertise in the electrical industry and domestic energy management.

Speakers include:

• Lynette Willoughby, former President of the Women’s Engineering Society and volunteer at Feminist Archive North
• Dr Katie Carpenter, Lecturer in Public History at the University of Leeds
• Professor Graeme Gooday, Professor of History of Science and Technology at the University of Leeds.

Attendees will have the chance to explore the University of Leeds’ Feminist Archive North historical collections, which include a range of EAW materials—books, journals, badges, and even tea towels—that shed light on the Association’s cultural and professional legacy. This interactive discussion will also examine the ongoing significance of the EAW’s efforts and their relevance to women’s roles in the shift toward a decarbonised world.

Following the event, attendees are invited to a lunch from 1pm to 2pm (registration via Eventbrite required).

The second event, From Lucy Hanson to Mabel Matthews A.I.E.E.: 7pm-9pm will be held at the West Yorkshire History Centre, 127 Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 1JG from 7pm to 9pm and focus on the life and legacy of Mabel Lucy Matthews, the Wakefield-born engineer who played a pivotal role in founding the EAW.

Speakers Professor Graeme Gooday and Dr Katie Carpenter will delve into Matthews’ unique contributions to Britain’s electrification. At a time when it was rare for women to hold leadership positions in engineering, Matthews distinguished herself by successfully proposing the EAW, which not only guided women in understanding the advantages and risks of domestic electricity but also set a new benchmark for female leadership in the electrical industry. A blue plaque commemorating her achievement will be unveiled at this talk, soon to be installed near her Wakefield birthplace.

Like the earlier event, this evening talk will also reflect on the broader impact of the EAW, which saw its influence spread internationally and inspire the founding of sibling organisations in Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Register for the evening talk by emailing info@wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk