The inspiring stories of three Cadbury family women who chose to challenge the status quo and push boundaries are being shared for the first time in a new online exhibition.
The ‘Choose to Challenge’ exhibition is being hosted by Selly Manor Museum in Birmingham and explores the lives of Mollie, Beatrice and Geraldine Cadbury.
Featuring never before seen images from the archives of Bournville Village Trust, the exhibition shows how the women challenged the world around them and in turn broke many of the social norms of the day.
The women’s stories include tales of activism, challenges to authority, pioneering work in infant care, politics and youth justice to giving up shares in Cadbury and hiding Jewish children during WW2.
The ‘Choose to Challenge’ exhibition has been put together to especially mark Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, which took place on 8th March.
Tia Shah, Learning and Engagement Facilitator at Selly Manor Museum, said: “The Cadbury family is well known for their philanthropy and progressive thinking but in enacting this, Mollie, Beatrice and Geraldine challenged the world around them.
“Although each made their mark in different fields, the ‘Choose to Challenge’ exhibition unites them through their strength of character and determination to make the world a better place.
“It is never easy going against society’s expectations or being the first to do something which is why it is important that Mollie, Beatrice and Geraldine are remembered and celebrated.
“All three women led extraordinary lives. The exhibition cannot document everything they did so we will be focusing on the special moments where they ‘chose to challenge’ and the remarkable things that came out of it.”
To view the free exhibition you can go to the Selly Manor Museum website https://sellymanormuseum.org.uk/events until 31st March.
Opened by George Cadbury, Selly Manor Museum is one of Birmingham’s most historic visitor attractions and welcomes thousands of people every year. Made up of two distinct buildings, it brings Tudor history to life with interactive exhibits, tours, talks and special events.
George opened the Museum after he rescued it from destruction and much of its beautiful collection was donated by the chocolate-maker’s son Laurence. To find out more about Selly Manor Museum, please visit www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk