Celebrating Women’s Stories Through Special Collections News

Elspeth Chapman shares how London Met’s Special Collections are preserving women's for future generations.

Date: 4 April 2025

Throughout March, people around the world celebrated Women’s History Month; an opportunity to recognise the achievements, struggles, and contributions of women past and present. At London Metropolitan University, the month was also a chance to highlight some of the stories preserved in our Special Collections, including that of Violet Morris.

Violet was a student at the Northern Polytechnic, a predecessor of London Met, where she took courses in Domestic Economy between 1911 and 1913. This subject, which was especially popular at the time, reflected many women’s roles in society. Her personal archives, donated to the University in 1981, offer a fascinating glimpse into her educational journey. The collection, which includes her handwritten workbooks, helps tell a wider story about access to learning and how women began carving new paths in education.

The workbooks, which cover Needlework and Dressmaking, Renovation, Cookery, Household Arithmetic, First Aid, and Cookery, reveal a blend of practical skill and academic precision in her work. In cookery, Violet recorded methods for suet puddings and meat stews, along with “reasons for failure” like using a cold oven or stale ingredients.

Her first aid notes are equally detailed, covering burns, bandaging, and artificial respiration, which she notes must be done “with promptitude and perseverance.” There’s even a list of likely accidents to the “head, trunk, limbs, and special organs.”

Keeping everyday histories alive

By caring for and sharing collections like these, London Met ensures the achievements of pioneering women are not forgotten. These stories are here for future generations to learn from, celebrate, and be inspired by.

The Special Collections also showcase the wider history of the University’s diverse student and staff communities. These materials reflect London Met’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and equity, and show how education continues to empower women beyond just one month of the year.

If you’d like to explore more, you can start by browsing the online catalogue. Students and staff are welcome to visit the Reading Room on the first floor of the Holloway Learning Centre. If you’d like to view archive materials, please email in advance, as some items are held offsite and require at least three days’ notice. Opening hours and visitor information can be found on LibGuides. You can also follow the team on Instagram: @londonmetspecialcollections.