Forum Topic

Blue Plaques For Women In Wandsworth

The Putney's Society's  idea that notable women in Wandsworth should be commemorated with plaques is excellent and I believe that two plaques to women in Wandsworth have been put up some time ago. However, it has not advanced very far and shows no sign of doing so due to lack of money. Comments anyone?

Miles Thompson ● 26d21 Comments

Miles, as it seems you're not a member, why don't you join????

Victoria Diamond ● 10d

Email from Victoria Diamond to MT 25th September:  'I personally think we have to wait until there's more money in the kitty, so to speak, and it isn't something I, or the Community Panel can take on.'

Miles Thompson ● 11d

Miles, I was on the Putney Soc Exec Committee for 17 years until I stepped down last year. I can confirm that for each plaque (and there is a long list of both male and female candidates for a plaque) that1. The prep work is done for each plaque as time permits.2. The Society has followed Charity Commission guidance in recent years in reducing its reserves so expenditure has to be more carefully prioritised. Also, so does the time needed for a small group of volunteers to work on our plaque programme as well as run our four panels, support other local initiatives and continue campaigns such as combatting air pollution and traffic problems in and around the High Street.We’d love to do more. As far as I am aware it’s the need for more volunteers rather than more cash that is slowing down progress on plaques.  Here’s a link to the ones we have put up so far: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/646b1bd3988a595f8b2887c0/t/64c8e3ede775e25dd7a59d5b/1690887151881/R6_blue_plaques_brochure.pdfAre you a member?  If not then join us and get involved.

Jonathan Callaway ● 11d

There undoubtedly is a great deal of work involved in erecting a Blue Plaque.1) The amount of work required should have been researched before The Putney Society became engaged in this matter.2)As at the present the Putney Society does not have the money to organise further plaques for notable women in Wandsworth anyway residents can presume that is that. Although, several people have made interesting and valid suggestions on this thread for notable women to be given Blue Plaque status which strongly indicates that there is a need  for local women to receive recognition - something that the Putney Society might take note of. 

Miles Thompson ● 11d

There's also a blue plaque at 31 Wimbledon Park Road, Southfields, for George Eliot who wrote Mill on the Floss there.

Jackie Lever ● 11d

I think British Heritage and Historic England say that a  possible recipient has to be deceased for at least 20 years. Putney Society is 5 years. It isn't as simple as saying Oh, let's put a blue plaque up on that house. There is a LOT of work involved, much research, liaising with property owner, and, aside from money, that's where the Putney Society is struggling a bit. We need more man power! So if you aren't a member of the Society, do join! And get involved. We'd love to have you on board!

Victoria Diamond ● 11d

Perhaps The Blue Plaque Society and The Putney Society could collaborate...

Miles Thompson ● 12d

I understand the London Scottish Golf Club on Wimbledon Common is being presented with a blue plaque from the blue plaque society on 8th November for being the oldest 18 hole golf course in England.

Andy Pike ● 12d

I think it must take years of negotiating and lots of patience, plus money, of course.

Martine Guy ● 13d

I dont know the answer to that question...I think speak to the Putney Society although they seem to find putting up plaques a difficult experience per se!

Miles Thompson ● 13d

Why not volunteer some time for the Putney society Miles?

Michael Brigo ● 13d

Thanks for this, Miles.  My husband just told me a person has to be deceased for a certain amount of time before a blue plaque can be put up.  I looked it up and it’s 20 years.  Only Patricia Hayes would be suitable from the 3 names I have suggested. Also, does the current owner of the property have to give their permission for this?  I can’t imagine you can go along and just stick a blue plaque on someone’s home.

Martine Guy ● 13d

From a recent email from Vicky Diamond of The Putney Society re blue Plaques for Women in Wandsworth: 'The Committee had decided to shelve Blue Plaques for this year, because, as I told you,  we are not as flush as we were, and there wasn't someone able to take it on currently.  Everything costs more, from stamps, to room hire, to printing, insurance etc.  We're having to be a bit careful about what we take on. Plaques are very expensive (I think the total, including installation is somewhere near £900), and very time consuming to organise. We all agree that it's time there was another female plaque, but it has to be when there's someone able to put in the time and effort, and for funds to be freely available.  I personally think we have to wait until there's more money in the kitty, so to speak, and it isn't something I, or the Community Panel can take on.' No plaque for Jilly or for any other notable women in Wandsworth at present it would appear...

Miles Thompson ● 13d

Is there a Blue Plaque for Dame Jilly Cooper?  She even wrote a book “The Common Years” about living close to Putney Common.  

Martine Guy ● 13d

If the Putney Society has not run out of money and intricacies and effort are what is required - fantastic!!! What about plaques for Patricia Hayes and Shirley Conran as suggested by another correspondent on this thread...Not forgetting seminal  mime artist, writer, lecturer and leader of the 20th century Greek dance revival Irene Mawer as suggested by myself a few years ago. Plaques for notable women in Putney will ride again. (One hopes!)

Miles Thompson ● 24d

Thanks IvonneI suppose Southfields counts as Wimbledon and the library building is near Wimbledon Park.  Roosevelt was certainly an independent thinker. It's nice to think of her being educated in our neighbourhood

Elizabeth Balsom ● 25d

I think it would nice to see Blue Plaques put up for Patricia Hayes and Shirley Conran.  

Martine Guy ● 25d

The Putney Society has not run out of money.  However it takes a lot of time and effort by a small group of volunteers to prepare the ground for erecting a new plaque - permissions from the property owner, sometimes also the individual's family, agreeing the wording to go on the plaque, etc etc.

Jonathan Callaway ● 25d

Hello Elizabeth,Interesting information about Eleanor Roosevelt.  I did a quick search and, from Wikipedia:"Roosevelt was tutored privately and with the encouragement of her aunt Anna "Bamie" Roosevelt, she was sent to Allenswood Academy at the age of 15, a private finishing school in Wimbledon, London, England,[26] where she was educated from 1899 to 1902. The headmistress, Marie Souvestre, was a noted educator who sought to cultivate independent thinking in young women though a rigorous curriculum. Souvestre took a special interest in Roosevelt, who learned to speak French fluently and gained self-confidence."Information on Allensworth Boarding Academy:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allenswood_Boarding_AcademyAllenswood House was located on a large tract of land between Albert Drive and Wimbledon Park Road,[1][2] in Southfields in the London Borough of Wandsworth, England.

Ivonne Holliday ● 25d

Great that this particular plaque has generated interest! The scheme was announced with a flourish by The Putney Society yet after one or is it two plaques were erected the money ran out and this worthwhile venture is now in danger of being forgotten.It was noted at the beginning that we have plenty of plaques for worthy men in Putney and this scheme was set to redress the balance. Are there feminist issues here and why didn't The Putney Society do its sums before the scheme  began?

Miles Thompson ● 25d

There's a sign outside Southfields library saying that Eleanor Roosevelt was at school there, but I don't know anything about when or why. She's an interesting person so I keep reminding myself to find a biography which might explain why she was here.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 25d