Women’s History Month
It’s a great time to learn about the generations of trailblazing women who have broken down barriers and walls and paved the way for others.
The 2023 Women's History Month theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”.
You can read below about Fanny Cropper, the wife of our founder James Cropper, and also a peek at the Unearthed paper sculpture exhibition at the Blackwell Arts and Craft House that features some little known female pioneers from Cumbrian history.
Get ready to celebrate Women’s History Month!
Fanny Alison Cropper
Like many Quakers, Fanny and her husband James, took an interest in the well-being of the mill workers and of the local community. Fanny had strong religious beliefs, but her interest went beyond the moral and spiritual welfare of the local community.
An example of her keenness to make education available to all, was in supporting the establishment of a school in Burneside in 1847 that accepted girls and infants, the education of which became Fanny’s responsibility until a trained teacher was appointed from 1859.
Constructed just across the road from Burneside Mills, the school house is now the James Cropper Technical and Colour Lab – with colour expertise that is shaping the future of colour.
Fanny Cropper died at the age of forty-two in 1868, however her steadfast interest in self-improvement, concern for others and charitable work had a lasting legacy for the community.
