As we delve deeper into the collections here at the Vale and Downland Museum we continue to come across the existence of inspirational and amazing women from our local area whose lives have perhaps become obscured.
In the museum we have made a small temporary display that celebrates just a few of these women. Two from our collections and one present-day woman.
Photo© IWM WWC D8-6-628
Circa. 1918
Beatrice Lithiby was an artist, designer and servicewoman. In the latter part of her life she had a studio at The Guildry at The Convent of St. Mary the Virgin, Wantage, where she lived and taught art.
Beatrice studied at the Royal Academy Schools and later became an official artist during World War One – recording the work of the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps based in France. Many of these artworks are housed at the Imperial War Museum. Serving in both World Wars Beatrice was awarded an MBE (1919) and OBE (1944) for her services. Beatrice’s work has been displayed in many exhibitions including at the Royal Academy in London. Her art included landscapes and portraits as well as stained glass and other church furnishings. Lithiby also compiled a book about Wantage Parish Church.
Beatrice never married but whilst a student was engaged to fellow student 2nd Lieutenant Frank Skinner who was Killed in Action at the age of 21 at the battle of the Somme in July 1916. It is reported that each year she marked Skinners death with a notice in the Daily Telegraph.
To see examples of some of Beatrice Lithiby’s work please follow this link: https://valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk/beatrice-ethel-lithiby-paintings/
AKA Helen Blandy-Jenkins, Helen Silver, Helen Wynne-Eyton
Helen Silver ca. 1935
Helen Blandy-Jenkins was born in Kingston Bagpuize, to aristocratic parents. In 1926, whilst living at Warborough Farm, Letcombe Regis with her husband Bill Silver, Helen brought back a lion cub from a trip to Africa which she kept as a pet and named Simba. It is said she would drive around the local area with the lion in her open top car. Eventually the lion had to be rehomed at Edinburgh Zoo in July 1927.
In 1930 Helen qualified as a pilot, and often travelled to British Colonised Kenya. Whilst there she met Wing Commander Charles Sandford “Sandy” Wynne-Eyton and married him following her divorce from Bill Silver. Living in Kenya, she ran a business flying passengers and mail at a time when “lady pilots” were not well respected. Despite this, Helen (AKA “Silver Jane”) became an accomplished RAF pilot and in 1940 was described as having more flight hours than many other RAF Pilots of that time. Following Sandy Wynne-Eyton’s death Helen went on to marry David Christie-Miller who became High Commissioner of Kenya. Helen continued to live in Kenya and continued flying, but eventually came to London where she died in 1955.
Cynthia Bulpitt was born in Kingston Lisle in 1956. Cynthia grew up in a large family as one of nine children. Her father was a farm worker and the family had to live frugally. Cynthia’s working life has consisted of a variety of careers; florist, car mechanic, cleaner, and childminder among others. Now retired, Cynthia is well known in the local community for her work with homeless people, gathering donations from individuals and businesses, often using social media for her appeals. Alongside her husband, Cynthia provides newly housed people with starter packs of food, toiletries, furniture and appliances to help them get settled. Cynthia also helped orchestrate a local response to the crisis in Ukraine, sending 4 artic lorries and additional loaded vehicles worth of aid.
“I’ve always felt that I should help people all my life” – Cynthia Bulpitt
Follow this link to be taken to Cynthia’s Facebook Community Helping Hands for the Homeless (Oxfordshire UK): https://www.facebook.com/groups/299644547350465/
With thanks to Trevor Hancock our resident local historian for his assistance with this display.
