New exhibition in Leeds will honour Yorkshire's queens of the industrial age

They were the hard-working women who became standard-bearers for a golden age in Yorkshire's industrial heritage.
Doreen Fletcher (née Kerfoot) back at the loom after she became the Yorkshire Wool Queen in 1948.Doreen Fletcher (née Kerfoot) back at the loom after she became the Yorkshire Wool Queen in 1948.
Doreen Fletcher (née Kerfoot) back at the loom after she became the Yorkshire Wool Queen in 1948.

Now experts in Leeds want to find out more about the local ladies once crowned the queens of their industries ahead of a new exhibition celebrating their incredible legacy.

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, formerly the world’s largest woollen mill, will host an exhibition in November about the young women chosen to represent some of Britain’s most prominent economic powerhouses.

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Industry queens rose to prominence in the 20th Century, with the first Railway Queens selected in the mid-1920s and the last Coal Queen being crowned in the early 1980s.

Doreen Fletcher with some of her modelling photographs.Doreen Fletcher with some of her modelling photographs.
Doreen Fletcher with some of her modelling photographs.

Inspired by the idea of traditional Rose Queen and May Queens in local villages and towns, these queens flew the flag for their industry, county or even country in what often proved to be a life-changing opportunity.

The first Cotton Queen Frances Lockett had the chance to meet an aging former Prime Minister Lloyd George in 1930.

And Railway Queen Audrey Mossom visited Russia, where she met Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, as well as switching on the famous Blackpool Illuminations.

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John McGoldrick, curator of industrial history at Leeds Museums and Galleries, said: “Being named a Queen of Industry was an incredible opportunity for those who were elected, and women lucky enough to be given the title became very much celebrities in their own right.

A picture of Doreen Fletcher after she became Yorkshire's Wool Queen.A picture of Doreen Fletcher after she became Yorkshire's Wool Queen.
A picture of Doreen Fletcher after she became Yorkshire's Wool Queen.

“It was also a chance for women to play a leading role in industries which had traditionally been male-dominated, providing inspiration for other young women who might want to make their way in a new career.

“As well as paying tribute to those women, what we aim to do with this exhibition is spark a discussion about how women today experience working in industry and we’d love to hear from anyone who knows more about the story behind the queens, who they were and the impact the role had on their lives.”

The museum is today asking people to come forward with any memories, photos or information that will help them retell a fascinating chapter in the story of Leeds.

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As well as historic photos and films, the exhibition will feature rarely seen objects from Leeds Museums and Galleries’ collection as well as loans from major UK museums and private collectors.

Doreen Fletcher with some of her modelling photographs.Doreen Fletcher with some of her modelling photographs.
Doreen Fletcher with some of her modelling photographs.

Doreen Fletcher (née Kerfoot) became Yorkshire’s Wool Queen in 1948 and was selected to play the lead in The Three Piece Suit, a specially-made colour film aimed at inspiring young female workers to join the wool industry.

She then went on to enjoy a successful modelling, acting and singing career, becoming something of a forces’ sweetheart.

Now approaching her 90th birthday, Doreen still lives in Yorkshire and organisers are hoping she can attend the exhibition opening later this year.

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Coun Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “The Queens of Industry were once leading lights in some of the country’s biggest and most important industries and in many ways they were pioneers for women working at the time.

A picture of Doreen Fletcher after she became Yorkshire's Wool Queen.A picture of Doreen Fletcher after she became Yorkshire's Wool Queen.
A picture of Doreen Fletcher after she became Yorkshire's Wool Queen.

“I hope more people come forward with information so the museum can capture their inspirational story and visitors can learn more about this unique facet of our industrial heritage.”

Call 113 378 3173 or email [email protected] to share any information.

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