Cannock Soroptimists were thrilled when club member Dr Janis Lomas had a book published very recently. The book, ‘The History of Women in 100 Objects’ was written in collaboration with Professor Maggie Andrews and was featured in a national newspaper on International Women’s Day. It contains fascinating articles and pictures on such objects as the washing machine, sanitary towels, Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management and the scolds bridle! The 100 objects tell the tale of women and womanhood and symbolize the journey of women from second-class citizens with no legal rights, no vote and no official status to the people they are today. Some of the items oppressed women – maybe some still do that today. The launch was held at the Redditch Needle Museum on March 10th having been postponed earlier because of the weather conditions.
Both women are historians specialising in Women’s History. Janis was a lecturer in Women’s History at Birmingham University, she now gives talks all around the area on various aspects of women in history and was a founding member of the Women’s History Network.
The two have a busy time ahead with two more books due for publication, further books in the initial planning stages and a two day conference “Voices of Women in the Great War & it’s Aftermath” on 13th and 14th April at the Black Country Living Museum.
The book ‘100 Objects’ is available direct from Dr Janis Lomas or from bookshops and other outlets; more information about the conference is available by emailing jan.lomas@gmail.com
Congratulations Jan – Cannock Soroptimists are very proud of your achievement!
Photos attached: Top : Dr Janis Lomas with Professor Maggie Andrews
Bottom: Janis with Soroptimists friends!
