New Chichester exhibition celebrates remarkable women who helped shape local history

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 12:00

By Philip Keeler

Credit: The Novium Museum - ChichestHER - Kate Friedlander - 2026

A new exhibition celebrating the achievements of remarkable women from across the Chichester district is set to open this weekend.

'ChichestHER' launches at The Novium Museum on Saturday 17 October, exploring the lives of 19 pioneering women from Tudor times through to the present day.

The exhibition highlights women's contributions to education, medicine, sport, the arts and the fight for equality, including stories that have largely been overlooked.

Among those featured are a suffragist imprisoned at Holloway, a psychoanalyst who escaped Nazi Germany and a woman who helped coordinate the arrival of Second World War evacuees in Selsey.

Visitors will also discover the stories of well-known local figures, including the late actress Dame Patricia Routledge, bestselling author Kate Mosse and entertainer Dawn Gracie.

The exhibition follows a three-year project supported by a £117,266 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

More than 30 volunteers have helped research and preserve the stories of local women, with over 100 individuals investigated so far.

An interactive website will also allow residents to contribute photographs, memories and stories, helping create a permanent digital archive.

Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council, said: "A tremendous amount of work has taken place over the last two years so that we can tell these remarkable, yet largely unknown stories."

The exhibition opens with a free family day on Saturday, featuring crafts and activities focusing on women and protest.

Visitors can also enjoy interactive displays, dressing up, puzzles and animations created by Chichester College students.

A programme of talks, workshops and community events will accompany the exhibition.

Further information is available at chichesther.org

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