Events Commemorate Women Shipyard Workers and Industrial Heritage

The dedication of a sculpture honoring women shipbuilders is being accompanied by events that explore a city’s industrial past. Named Molly, the sculpture has been created as a tribute to the unacknowledged women who were employed in shipyards on Wearside during World War Two. In celebration of this statue, the University of Sunderland is initiating two events designed to educate individuals about life in the shipyards and to foster creative writing on the subject. Artist Ron Lawson stated that Molly represents “the spirit of Sunderland women, their strength and resourcefulness”. Dr. Lawson, a senior lecturer in professional practice at the university, crafted the life-sized sculpture from corten steel. It is intended for placement on the riverside walkway, adjacent to the university’s St Peter’s Campus. Shipbuilding began on Wearside in the 1300s, and by the 1970s, over 7,500 people worked in Sunderland yards, until the final site’s closure in 1988. However, the role women played is not widely recognized, experts noted. “Making Molly” will feature workshops focused on creative writing and storytelling, intended to delve into her experiences in the shipyards during the war and her life by the riverside. This event is being hosted by the Sunderland charity More Than Grandparents at Lambton House in West Sunniside on 9 November, from 11:00 until 13:00 GMT. “Writing the Wartime Shipyards” will occur at Sunderland City Hall on the same day, from 15:00 until 17:00 GMT. It has been developed for aspiring historians and creative writers. Dr. Ashleigh Blackwood, a lecturer in professional practice at the university, commented: “Our participants will be designing their own stories and artworks in response to the new sculpture so that we can find out what’s most important to our local community in the future creative development of Sunderland and the wider North East.” The installation date for Molly has not yet been confirmed. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.