Celebrations of trailblazers: London's statues commemorating extraordinary women
In the heart of Westminster, a new landmark stands tall, honouring a pioneer of computing who paved the way for the digital age we know today. Ada Lovelace's statue, located at Millbank Quarter, Horseferry Road, is a symbol of the celebration of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths).
Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the notorious Lord Byron, collaborated with Charles Babbage on his early mechanical computer. Her groundbreaking work was described as "poetical science," and she was dubbed "the enchantress of numbers." The statue, created by Mary & Etienne Millner, was unveiled in 2022, marking a long-overdue addition to London's streets.
The statue of Ada Lovelace serves as a reminder of her significant contributions to the world of computing, even before computers existed. It also signifies the growing number of statues honouring remarkable women in London. As of 2023, more statues honoring women have been unveiled than in the entire second half of the 20th century.
One such woman is Joy Battick, a woman of colour who has two statues in London. She is just the second non-royal to be honoured in this way. The first statue, created by David Wynne, shows her as a pensive 26-year-old, while the second statue, created by Kevin Atherton, shows her as a smiling, warm 60-something.
Another notable statue is that of Queen Elizabeth I, located in London's Church of St Dunstan-in-the-West. This statue is the oldest surviving statue of a named woman in the city, possibly sculpted during her lifetime and having survived the Great Fire.
The celebration of women in London extends to the annual Ada Lovelace Day, which honours women in STEM each October. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and celebrating the contributions of women in these fields.
In 2023, the balance tipped for the first time, as more women than men were commemorated in new statues. This shift is a testament to the growing recognition of the significant contributions women have made throughout history.
A new book explores this growing number of statues honoring remarkable women in London, shedding light on the women who have shaped the city's history and continue to inspire future generations. From Ada Lovelace to Joy Battick, these statues serve as a reminder of the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of women.
The statue of Ada Lovelace is backed by gilded punch cards, a nod to her legacy in the digital age. Rod Standing captured an image of the statue, immortalising this symbol of women's achievements in STEM for future generations to admire.
Millicent Fawcett's statue, created by Gillian Wearing, was unveiled in 2018 and is located in Parliament Square. Fawcett was a leading figure in the British suffragist movement and a key figure in the fight for women's rights. Her statue stands as a testament to the ongoing fight for gender equality.
As we continue to celebrate and honour these remarkable women, it is important to remember that their achievements are not just limited to their fields but extend to inspiring future generations to break barriers and achieve their dreams. These statues serve as a reminder that women's contributions are valuable and deserve recognition.
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