Gallery Tour: Women and Dairying

About this event

Curator of MERL Collections, Dr Ollie Douglas will be joined by Dr Rhi Smith, Director of Academic Learning and Engagement, to consider the fields and milking parlours, research labs and classrooms, and student halls of the University of Reading’s past. What roles did women hold in the University over the last hundred years? Why were agriculture and dairying good pathways for them to seek scholarly careers? Why are the stories of these unsung heroes of our food and farming past not better known?

Join us as we rethink the stereotypical dairymaid, bring the hidden histories of early female academics to the fore, and showcase women pioneers in clean milk, agricultural extension overseas, and inclusive education. 

The tour will last about one hour and will culminate in a pop-up display and an opportunity to peek behind the scenes. At the end of the session there’ll be a chance to ask questions and to chat with Ollie and Rhi.