Schoolchildren in Beverley have teamed up with East Riding Theatre (ERT) and a local artist to create a mural celebrating some of Yorkshire’s most trailblazing women.
Working with ERT’s all-female company in residence, She Productions, and artist Emma Garness, pupils from Molescroft, Keldmarsh, Tickton, and St Mary’s primary schools have created a mural depicting the Yorkshire Rose based on the achievements of the inspirational women.
The children explored the lives of legendary cycling champion Beryl Burton OBE; British Boxing Champion Nicola Adams OBE; Yorkshire Suffragette Dora Thewlis; World Judo Champion Dr Karen Briggs MBE; and West Yorkshire firefighter Lisa Muscarella.
Working with Emma, the children painted petal-shaped canvasses which were then sewn together to create the mural.
On display at Beverley’s Flemingate centre, the artwork was unveiled by local author Valerie Wood, who was delighted to be part of the project.
Valerie said: “The days when women had to hide their talent are gone, as we see through this wonderful project on Yorkshire’s inspirational women.”
Graham Tait, Flemingate Centre Manager, said: “We’re delighted to host the mural and enable thousands of people to enjoy the amazing work of Beverley schoolchildren which has been inspired by pioneering Yorkshire women.
“It’s wonderful that East Riding Theatre’s project has generated so much creativity and community spirit.”
The project marks the launch of ERT’s new spring production, “Beryl”, written by actor and playwright Maxine Peake.
The play tells the remarkable story of Yorkshire cyclist Beryl Burton – “the greatest woman on two wheels” – using a great dollop of Northern wit to bring to life the incredible and inspirational achievements of an ordinary Yorkshire mum.
Still seen as the “the greatest sportswoman who ever lived”, Beryl faced more than up-hill cycling challenges in her struggle against poor health and the barriers faced by women in sports.
Director, Marieke Audsley, said: “I’m thrilled to be directing Maxine Peake’s exquisite play about the exceptional Beryl Burton.
“Beryl’s story is truly inspirational. It will be a delight to share this fascinating, funny, moving and uplifting celebration of a legend with audiences in Beverley.”
The mural, sponsored by The Beverley Arms Hotel and Wilkin Chapman solicitors, will be on display at Flemingate, next to The Creative Lab, until 20th May.
Beryl runs from 25th April – 18th May 2019, with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
