Object of the Month: March 2023

Chosen by: Hilarie Tucknott, Chair of The Ruth Tomlinson Memorial Fund

Collection: Social History

Object Name: Ruth Tomlinson CBE

CBE Silver-gilt, enamel, textile 1960

Ruth Tomlinson was a pioneering businesswoman who championed women’s rights, even representing the UK at sessions of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

She had a long association with Leicester through the Boot and Shoe Industry, first as an officer with the British Ministry of Labour and National Services, serving on their Man and Women Power Board. Secondly, she was a member of the De Montfort club of Business and Professional Women. Finally, her funeral took place at Holy Apostles Church, Fosse Road South.

‘Few people who do not know Leicester know so many Leicester people, I should imagine, as Miss Ruth Tomlinson’ (Leicester Evening News)

Donated by The Ruth Tomlinson Memorial Fund, associated with the Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW UK)

The Object of the Month can be seen in person throughout March at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.