Library launches online exhibition of women's history at St John's

Date 14 May 2020

To continue our year of marking 40 years of women at St John's, our Library staff have put together a fascinating online exhibition giving an insight into the history of women at the College.

Library Women exhibition Feb 18 Sarah HolmesThis online exhibition showcases both the history of women at St John's and the women within its collections, featuring items drawn from the College's Library, Archive and picture collection.

Of St John's 465-year history, women have only formally been admitted as members for just over 40. However, the College's collection in the Library, Archive and Pictures sheds light on the women who played pivotal roles in the College's history and life. These women have helped save the College from financial ruin, have added to its cultural assets, and contributed to general College life, each in their own way.

The physical exhibition was planned to be on display in the Library & Study Centre during Trinity Term 2020, to coincide with a variety of other events planned to mark 40 years since women were first admitted to St John's. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the exhibition has now been moved online.

Although there are some limitations to this format, there are also some benefits – you can look through the pages of a book to examine it in more detail, and you can visit the exhibition from home at a time that suits you! 

View the exhibition online here, where there is also a plain text accessible PDF version of the exhibition available