GUIDING LIGHT: RACHEL KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH AND THE GIRL GUIDES
Text by Sarah Jane Downing
The Honourable Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth had had an eclectic upbringing at Gawthorpe Hall in Lancashire, where surrounded by luscious interiors designed by Pugin, she developed a strong interest in the Arts and Crafts Movement. She was passionate about and inspired by design and knew that creative practice would nurture and improve life, especially for those with little. In 1912 she began to amass a collection of textile and craft items to illustrate her lectures and enhance her teaching. These became the foundation of the internationally renowned Gawthorpe Hall collection. She made many remarkable pieces herself, and as she travelled, she gathered more, with interested friends and relatives also sending her beautiful and significant pieces.
Image: Standard design for the North East Lancashire Guide. Image above: Standard design for Lady Baden Powell’s Guide.
The Scouting Movement had only recently begun in 1907. Although designed only for boys, when Baden Powell held the first Scout conference at Crystal Palace in 1909, he was surprised to see more than 2000 girls there who liked the idea and had organised themselves.
Image: Standard design for the North East Lancashire Guide. Image above: Standard design for Lady Baden Powell’s Guide.
The Scouting Movement had only recently begun in 1907. Although designed only for boys, when Baden Powell held the first Scout conference at Crystal Palace in 1909, he was surprised to see more than 2000 girls there who liked the idea and had organised themselves.
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