Background
A mural depicting Margaret Ashton, a prominent figure in Manchester’s history and a councillor who championed women’s rights and social justice, has been created on the side of Cavendish Primary School in Didsbury as a tribute to her legacy. The project was made possible thanks to the efforts of Cavendish Primary School PTA and local historian Ali Ronan, who spearheaded a successful fundraising campaign. Women in Print artist Emma Bowen’s image, sourced from the book ‘First in the Fight‘, was used for the mural with a few modifications to align it with the school’s values.
Who was Margaret?
Margaret Ashton, who lived from 1856 to 1937, was a pioneering figure in Manchester’s history. She was the city’s first female councillor and a passionate advocate for social justice, suffrage, and pacifism. Notably, she has a deep connection to the school as she laid its foundation stone.
International Women’s Day 2023
The mural was unveiled during an impressive International Women’s Day celebration on March 8th, 2023. The school is optimistic that the newly-unveiled mural will be a source of inspiration and education for children, allowing them to learn about her remarkable legacy and the ongoing struggle for women’s rights. We anticipate that Margaret Ashton’s mural will be a topic of discussion among students, parents, and teachers for years to come.