ENCOUNTERS: LADY MARY WORTLEY MONTAGU

July 2022

Encounters is the creation of new heritage interpretation for families, focused on the extraordinary life of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, scientist, public heath campaigner, proto-feminist, writer and influencer. Lorna Rees, Artistic Director of Gobbledegook Theatre was commissioned to create this interpretation, which is informed by research and consultation, and brings together historic and contemporary stories.

Co-created with the people of Barnsley, the digital interpretation which focuses on equality for women in science, draws on the rich narrative of Lady Mary WortleyMontagu introducing the smallpox inoculation to the UK and the contemporary search for a Covid Vaccine.

Six short films were created across Barnsley, the locations included a nail salon, travel agents, Barnsley Markets and a Turkish restaurant. Whilst wearing a fabulous costume inspired by Lady Mary, Lorna chatted to local people about the life of this remarkable woman. The themes of the ‘Encounter’ interviews include women’s education, travel, Covid, medicine, and Turkish culture. Encounters was launched on social media over five days, reaching 30,000 people with over 10,000 views of the films. To view the Encounters films please visit Barnsley Museums website: www.barnsley-museums.com/projects/wentworth-castlegardens/encounters-lady-mary-wortley-montagu

Whilst in residence at Wentworth Castle Gardens, Lorna engaged 980 people in five days. Lorna told them all about Mary’s life, talking through her costume, but also having brilliant dialogue with visitors to the gardens, the vast majority of whom had never heard of Mary’s daring life and her part in medical history.

“I spoke with lecturers, research scientists, a geneticist and many, many families about her life. I chatted with grandparents and children and artists and refugee families and a sewing group all about this amazing life. And through dialogue we found new things and ideas and learnt from each other….

It’s my great belief that conversation and dialogue change the world – the best of these change both people at the end of them with shared shift in perspective or empathy. I had many, many profoundly moving conversations with people, about ambition, curiosity, loss and huge hope for the future.”

Lorna Rees, Gobbledegook Theatre

“We went to the talk twice. Really informative and great use of colour. Great stories and wonderful presentation. What a day!” Family visitors at Wentworth Castle Gardens

At Wentworth Castle Gardens Onsite interpretation was installed in the Victorian Conservatory and at the Sun Monument which is dedicated to Lady Mary. The digital presence of Encounters was linked to this self-led engagement, enabling people to enjoy the informative films created with Barnsley communities. Encounters is now part of the Barnsley Archives digital collection, ensuring these important voices will continue to be heard.