Elizabeth Blackwell’s legacy: women in health
In 2021 we celebrated the bicentenary of the birth of Dr Elizabeth Blackwell. Our namesake was born in Bristol and went on to be the first ever woman on the British medical register. Find out how we celebrated her life and story - and what's still to come.
Exploring together
Our plan for the bicentenary year was to be collaborative. We wanted to partner with Bristol residents, community groups, artists, and anyone with an interest in the themes that encompass the story of Blackwell:
- Women in health and the workplace
- Bristol past and present
- Community health
Bicentenary celebrations
- Women In Health - project ongoing in 2022Exploring stories of women in health across communities and cultures. We have partnered with Hannah More Primary School, Show of Strength Theatre and more, to deliver hands-on sessions in writing, drama and outdoor activities. After delays due to Covid-19, we now aim to deliver this project in the 2022 summer term!
- BrisSciFilm 2021 – Elizabeth Blackwell Institute health film prizeThere was an additional Elizabeth Blackwell Institute prize awarded for a short film submitted to Bristol Science Film Festival with a health-related theme in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Elizabeth Blackwell’s birth. Find out who won!
- The Doctors Blackwell book tourA major new biography, 'The Doctors Blackwell' by Janice P Nimura, celebrates two complicated pioneers who exploded the limits of possibility. As Elizabeth predicted, “a hundred years hence, women will not be what they are now. The Doctors Blackwell will be available in paperback on January 18 2022. Pre-orders available now!