Ladies who Launch: Celebrating Pontefract's Women in Business

13 November 2023 - 19 October 2024
Pontefract Museum 

Free - no booking required

Explore the fascinating history of female entrepreneurs in Pontefract in Ladies who Launch, our new interactive and immersive exhibition.

Check out our interactive exhibition photo gallery below! (It may take a moment to load)

Get hands on and try some of the trades from past and present.

Step back in time to sample the sights and scents of Victorian Pontefract. Discover the local women leading businesses in sometimes surprising industries.

Celebrate the success stories of today’s inspirational businesswomen - from indulgent skincare and beautiful bouquets to therapeutic yoga and exhilarating events.

Tell us about the amazing women in your lives with our comment wall!

Michelle and Karen of Michelle's Flowers Ltd

A fantastic team of Volunteer Researchers conducted research into four local Victorian businesswomen. Many thanks to Alice, Jennifer, Julia and Samuel for helping us to share these stories. 

Yonder Events bringing the vibes at their famous Yonder at the Castle event

Victorian businesswomen

There were more women running businesses in Victorian Britain than there are today. Pontefract had its fair share of female entrepreneurs! 

Research by museum volunteers uncovered women working in everything from laundry and upholstery to watchmaking and ironmongery. 

The museum team have recreated scenes from their businesses using amazing objects from the Wakefield Museums & Castles collection.

Read more about Pontefract's Victorian businesswomen here

Step back in time

Find out more about the women’s stories and get hands on trying some of the trades for yourself! 

Experiment with clockwork at the watchmaker’s bench. Choose a fabric for the upholstress. Browse the drawers and shelves of Ann England’s ironmongers.

Yoga Teacher Emma of Santosha Studio taking inspiration from nature

Today's inspirational businesswomen

Back in the 21^st century, meet the women continuing the proud local tradition. Ladies Who Launch also celebrates contemporary success stories and we invited leading local businesswomen to share their experiences.  

Find out how two sisters-in-law gave up their day jobs to launch their events business, Yonder, and bring fun, food and dancing to Pontefract. 

Hear how florists, Karen and Michelle followed in family footsteps. 

Discover how friends Hollie and Lorna grew their organic skincare brand from a tiny kitchen to a full-size workshop. 

Marvel at local yoga instructor Emma’s expertise!

Hollie and Lorna of Wild and Wood Skincare testing the goods!

Tell us about the incredible women in your life

We want to hear all about the inspirational women in your life too! 

Nominate your local heroines and add them to the wall of fame.

Visitor and access information for Pontefract Museum