Notable past members

Margaret Pilkington

photograph of margaret pilkington standing by a table
Margaret Pilkington’s life was characterized by many ‘firsts’. Most notably, for our interest, she served as the first female president of the Society from 1964-66.

If it were not for Margaret Pilkington, we would likely not have the Whitworth Art Gallery as we know and love it today. She served, unpaid, as Director for 22 years. Her pioneering views on museums concentrated on the needs of visitors, especially access for the young and underprivileged. One of her addresses as President of the Whitworth (another title she acquired in 1945) included her deep regret that art was perceived as the prerogative of the ‘idle rich’.

Margaret Pilkington’s life was characterized by many ‘firsts’. Most notably, for our interest, she served as the first female president of the Society from 1964-66. During her time here, she founded the Arts Section in 1968. She was also the first female director of a major gallery in the UK.

Pilkington was a very talented artist herself.  After attending the Manchester College of Art from 1911-13, she moved to London to study at the Slade School of Art. Here she was taught wood engraving by the famous artist Lucien Pissarro. Margaret Pilkington later enrolled at Central College of Arts and Crafts under the tutelage of Noel Rooke, one of Britain’s most prolific wood engravers of the 20th century.

The foresight and generosity that she demonstrated in her life and career is something worth celebrating. From encouraging access to the arts for the underprivileged to buying works from up-and-coming artists to support their livelihoods, she was a true philanthropic pioneer.

 

Photograph of Margaret Pilkington courtesy of John Rylands Library

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