Women in Shipbuilding Gallery 1: Imperial War Museum Photograph Collection

Who are the women in the photographs?

Women have worked in maritime trades for many centuries, but in the First World War their direct involvement in shipbuilding and repair increased significantly. Women participated in war work not only in assembly line roles making munitions, but also in skilled and heavy engineering. Although these portraits are finely detailed, the names of the women are not known. We would like your help in identifying these women and finding out their stories. As well as the women pictured, we would like to hear about other women in marine engineering in the north east in the First World War. If you have stories, documents, photographs, or other memorabilia then we would be very grateful if you could get in touch. Women’s role in shipbuilding and marine engineering in the past has been overlooked and we think it is important to rediscover their stories and acknowledge their contribution.

Workers leaving Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd shipbuilding yard, Wallsend, Newcastle.

Workers leaving Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd.

A 8,000 ton standard steamer at Swan, Hunter and Wigham.

A scene from Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd.

Workers at Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd shipbuilding.

A female worker operates a vertical milling machine at Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd shipbuilding yard, Wallsend, Newcastle.

A female worker operating a bolt tapping machine in the works of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson shipyard, Wallsend.

A female worker assisting a blacksmith at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

Female tank cleaners working at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A female worker adjusting a counter sinking machine at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A rivetter's female helper heating rivets at a furnace at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A female worker operating a magazine drilling plate at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

If you have stories and would like to get in touch, please email hec.info@lrfoundation.org.uk or call in at the exhibition.

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Women in Shipbuilding Gallery 1: Imperial War Museum Photograph Collection

Who are the women in the photographs?

Workers leaving Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd shipbuilding yard, Wallsend, Newcastle.

Workers leaving Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd.

A 8,000 ton standard steamer at Swan, Hunter and Wigham.

A scene from Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd.

Workers at Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd shipbuilding.

A female worker operates a vertical milling machine at Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd shipbuilding yard, Wallsend, Newcastle.

A female worker operating a bolt tapping machine in the works of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson shipyard, Wallsend.

A female worker assisting a blacksmith at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

Female tank cleaners working at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A female worker adjusting a counter sinking machine at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A rivetter's female helper heating rivets at a furnace at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A rivetter's female helper heating rivets at a furnace at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A female worker operating a magazine drilling plate at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

A female worker operating a magazine drilling plate at the shipbuilding yard of the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend.

More online exhibitions & stories

Women in Shipbuilding Gallery 7: The Ships

Women in Shipbuilding Gallery 2: Imperial War Museum Photograph Collection