Women in Print
1342. Jane Bowyer
Jane Bowyer, from Manchester, is the founder of ‘Women in Print’, an initiative bringing together 35 talented female artists in the north of England to create prints that showcase the unheard stories of iconic women who have contributed to the region.
Jane is an independent graphic designer and illustrator who was inspired to set up her voluntary initiative ‘Women in Print’ after her frustration at the way women are regularly represented in printed media and wanting to create a series of prints to shine a light on women’s history and some of the individuals from Greater Manchester who have helped shape the region, including suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, birth control pioneer Mary Stopes and comedian Victoria Wood. Jane has worked with a range of organisations including the ‘National Trust’, ‘Apple’, and the ‘People’s History Museum’, with the sale of prints helping to support women in Manchester through donations to charities such as ‘Manchester Women’s Aid’ and ‘Smart Works’.
Jane’s award comes ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the global day of celebration for women’s achievements and gender equality.
In a personal letter to Jane, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how your initiative ‘Women in Print’ is telling the unheard stories of iconic women and showcasing a wealth of female creative talent from across the north of England.”
Kate Green, Jane’s local MP for Stretford and Urmston, said:
“I’m delighted to hear that Jane’s work in creating and curating ‘Women in Print’ has been recognised with a prestigious Points of Light Award.
“Not only is ‘Women in Print’ a great way to showcase the wealth of creative talent from women in the North of England, but it’s raised money for some fab local women’s charities too. Well done, Jane!”
Jane said:
“I am proud of the platform ‘Women in Print’ has created to share and celebrate the stories and creativity of women through our exhibitions, artist-led workshops and other projects. This award is not only recognition of my work as creator and curator of ‘Women in Print’; more importantly, it is a testament to the incredible wealth of talented women — both past and present — across Greater Manchester and other northern regions.”