The Roots of Resistance, organised by the Sylvia Pankhurst Gender and Identity Knowledge Network, an interdisciplinary centre for critically engaged feminist research, will explore the intersection of feminism, public green spaces, and the role of plants in shaping memory and identity. It centres on the legacy of Rosa Grindon, a suffragist, botanist, and Shakespearean lecturer, and uses her story as a lens to reflect on women’s lives are remembered.
The event is free and open to everyone, and will consist of a walking tour of the Shakespeare Garden and a workshop.
Walking Tour and Talk with Dr Monika Smialkowska, 10.30am -12pm
Located in a quiet corner of Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield, South Manchester, the Shakespeare Garden is a historic public garden first opened in 1922. Inspired by the work of local botanist and suffragist Rosa Grindon, it is one of the few traditional Shakespeare gardens left in the UK.
This walled garden is designed in an Elizabethan style and features plants, herbs, and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays, alongside a special garden bed honouring the women’s suffrage movement. Recently restored by community volunteers, it serves as a peaceful community space.
In this event, the garden’s lead volunteer Kattie Kincaid will tour around the Park. This will be followed by a talk about Rosa’s life by Dr Monika Smialkowska. (Northumbria University)
Rosa Grindon, initiated the first version of the Shakespeare Garden, which was established in Whitworth Park in 1916. Rosa engaged in radical social and cultural work, which included campaigning for women’s suffrage; active involvement in various learned societies and clubs; helping working-class people to establish small gardens to improve their lives; drawing attention to the issues such as clean air and fair treatment of domestic servants; as well as popularising grassroots involvement with Shakespeare.
Creative Workshop, 12pm-2pm
Using a mixed-media approach that includes sensory mapping and creative writing, artist Chiara Dellerba will guide participants through a meaningful encounter with plants that have shaped our identities, sensory memories, and daily habits. Participants will also collaboratively create a fire cider vinegar.
The workshop will be held indoors at the Birch Community Centre. Brighton Grove, Manchester M14 5JT
Lunch will be provided during the workshop.
This project looks at stories about work, care, family, community, and activism that may come up. You will also have the option to join some follow-up research afterwards.