Special Exhibition Room

"A Story in Stone " 2007

Pages to be updated

Washing the hard way

In 2006

"A Woman's Work... "

In 2006 as our special exhibition we feature "A Woman's Work..." It is intended to be a snapshot of how women's work changed over the course of some 50 years iin the early part of the 20th century. The effects of two World Wars and new technology dramatically altered what women did and how they did it. We are emphasising three aspects of this topic:-

A Woman's Work in the Home: showing how housework has been simplified over the years and how physically hard it once was. We also touch on the various handicrafts which women worked at in their "off-duty" moments.

A Woman's Work Outside The Home: demonstrates how small was the range of work available to women in and around Crail. Single women worked mainly in domestic service, teaching and nursing. Some women are recorded as farmers, shopkeepers and even fish merchants but married women more usually supported their husband in his trade - unpaid.

 

District Nurse's equipment

A Woman's Work In Wartime: spotlights women in Crail either in the armed forces or coping with family life in difficult circumstances. For women, both World Wars brought major changes to their lives.