2014 Degree Show - Final Project

Detail from 'Journey' by Terri H Harper (photo David Williams)

Inspiration

Following my mother’s death in 1988, my family felt we were losing the links to our maternal past. For 20 years, my sister and I have been researching our family tree, poring over documents from my mother’s effects, trying to piece together the family history.

In the process, we unearthed an amazing story about my Great Aunt: Ethel Lees Bowker (nee Shorthouse). It turned out to be a tale of plucky Edwardian spirit, bravery, stoicism, epic journeys, life in strange lands and two world wars. I used Ethel's story in my degree show 'final project' (2014) and this section of the website describes how it all came about.