An exhibition celebrating the inspirational women who helped shape Birmingham’s garden village is to go on display for Women’s History Month.

The Icons and Instigators exhibition will be on show at the Rest House in Bournville, managed by Bournville Village Trust, on Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th March 2026.

It will then go on tour across community buildings in the local area throughout March before closing on 7^th April 2026 at Shenley Heritage Day at Shenley Court Hall.

The exhibition brings together five years of research into women’s history to shine a light on ten inspiring women and groups who have made an impact in Bournville.

These include the story of artist Mary Sargent Florence who painted over half the murals in Bournville Village Primary School. Alongside her artistic career, she was a committed Suffragist and designed the ‘No Vote, No Tax’ badge, resisting taxation in protest for women’s right to vote.

Doctor Susan Ofori-Atta, the first female Ghanaian medical doctor in Ghana, will also feature in the exhibition. Susan’s father was Nana Sir Ofori Atta I, Paramount Chief of Akim Abuakwa – one of the most important cocoa-producing districts for Cadburys.

In 1949 Susan and her sister visited Bournville after their father’s death. On the visit Susan experienced industrial life and factory conditions first hand, including the arrival of West African cocoa at the factory. She was warmly welcomed by several of the Cadbury family.

Louise Deakin, Heritage Engagement Officer at Bournville Village Trust, said: “Women’s History Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing women and groups that have helped shape Bournville – Birmingham’s much-loved garden village.

“The exhibition will delve into the stories of 20^th century icons like Dame Elizabeth Cadbury as well as some of the less familiar women whose hard work, creativity and bravery has helped to make a difference to the lives of so many today.

“These stories will all be brought to life with a range of photography, documents and other objects, creating an engaging journey through time.”

Entry to the exhibition is free and will be available to view at the Rest House, in the centre of Bournville Village Green, Sycamore Road, from 11am-3pm.

For more information about the exhibition, go to – https://sellymanormuseum.org.uk/events/2026-03-14/exhibition-icons-instigators

Bournville Village Trust was founded by George Cadbury in 1900 and is one of the Midlands longest-serving independent trusts. It manages estates, provides homes, delivers community-support services and commercial activities.