Flags fly high to honour Berwick’s women
From munitions workers to fishwives, 20 women’s stories inspire bold public artworks flying across the town
Berwick-upon-Tweed is ushering in autumn in colourful fashion as 20 vibrant new flags fly across the town, celebrating women’s overlooked contributions to local history.
The striking artworks are part of Berwick Shines, a programme from The Maltings (Berwick) Trust’s Living Barracks project, launched on September 11.
Artist Beth J Ross led the residency, working with a group of local women to research stories from Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth. Their findings inspired geometric, symbolic flag designs that now line civic buildings, private gardens and public spaces until October 13.
“It’s been such an amazing project,” said Beth. “Designing the flags and writing their stories helps us remember and honour these women’s journeys and contributions to life in Berwick.”
Supported by Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund, the project drew on expertise from Linda Bankier at Berwick Record Office and Susan Higgins of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers collection.
The women celebrated range from Mabel Philipson, the third woman elected to Parliament, to Elizabeth Caulk, paid to sand the Berwick Old Bridge in 1624. Salmon Queens, herring girls, bondagers and wartime “munitionettes” also feature prominently.
Lauren Velvick, creative producer for Berwick Shines, said: “These colourful and inspiring flags will be displayed outdoors as public art where Northumberland flags or Union Jacks might ordinarily fly. This exhibition prompts introspection about who we honour in constructing our sense of place.”
The flags also form part of a wider programme of tours and events during Heritage Open Days, running until September 21.