Eveline Mary Lowe (1869-1956) (née Farren) was the first woman Chair of the London County Council. She was born and spent most of her life in Bermondsey. She was the daughter of Reverend J Farren, a Congregational minister. She was educated at Milton Mount College, Gravesend and trained as a teacher at Homerton College, where she became a lecturer and then vice-principal. She married Dr George C Lowe in 1903. Eveline was politically active - she was one of the earliest members of the Women's Labour League; a founder member of the Bermondsey International Labour party and of the West Bermondsey Divisional Labour Party (serving as Treasurer from 1919); President of the West Bermondsey Women's Section; member of the London Labour Party Executive (which she represented on the London Women's Advisory Committee from 1918). She was also active in local government, serving on the education committee as London County Council member for Bermondsey from 1922 onwards; Chair of the London Education Committee, 1934; Chair of the Establishments Committee, 1937; and first woman Chair of the London County Council, 1939. She retired from the London County Council in 1946 and died 30 May 1956.
The archive consists of awards and certificates presented to Lowe, a commemorative album describing her achievements, various photographs, medals, memorabilia, press cuttings and publications.
This collection is available for research. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit.
Donated by her nephew, Mr John Farren in 3 accessions between 1998-2000.
The Women's Library Catalogue
Purpose-made red leather roll embossed in gold lettering; 'University of London' containing certificates of achievement:
*Illustrated printed certificate from University Of London, awarding Eveline Mary Lowe with an honorary Doctor of Laws certificate, 17 May 1950
*Printed certificate, in French, awarding Eveline Mary Lowe with Order National De La Legion D'Honneur, dated 11 Mar 1939
*An OBE awarded to Nellie Winifred Brown, signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Grand Master
Certificate including a gold seal, illustrated using watercolour and gold leafing, awarding Eveline Mary Lowe honorary freedom, dated 9 Oct 1946 and presented 'in recognition of the eminent services rendered ... to the Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey'
Consists of:
*A printed ticket for the ceremony of conferment of honorary degrees and reception by the Chancellor at Senate House, dated 24 Nov 1950
*An invitation addressed to Miss Rutter to attend the ceremony of conferment of honorary degrees and reception, dated 24 Nov 1950
*A printed copy of the order of proceedings of the ceremony of conferment of honorary degrees, dated 24 Nov 1950
*Photograph of Eveline Mary Lowe wearing her cap and gown, photographed by Elliot and Fry
*Printed copy of University of London Gazette, includes article regarding foundation day ceremony in which Eveline Mary Lowe was awarded an honorary degree
Printed copy of speeches by the Leader of the Council, Mr I J Hayward and the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Norris Keynon at a London County Council meeting, regarding the death of Eveline Mary Lowe, dated 19 Jun 1956
Two letters from Eveline Mary Lowe, addressed to 'my dear Elsie', both have a personal yet serious tone, referring for example to 'a meeting of the governing parties of the 17 colleges that are coming into the London area scheme for training colleges', neither are dated or indicate the full name of the addressee
Album contains various items relating to Eveline Mary Lowe's achievements and also her death, it includes a notice regarding details of Eveline Mary Lowe's funeral and a pamphlet from the service, obituary press cuttings, a citation from the service in which she was awarded the degree of doctor of laws, 17 May 1950 and photographs including holidays and a Royal visit to the London County Council's Kings Mead Housing Estate.
This album also held the following loose photographs:
*Photograph of a portrait of Eveline Mary Lowe wearing her Chairman's chain, 1924. (see item 7EML/08)
*Photograph of a large group of people sitting in a hall, includes Eveline Mary Lowe, sitting in the far left
*Photograph of Eveline Mary Lowe hosting a tea party at the County Hall, dated 3 Mar 1939
*Photograph of Eveline Mary Lowe holding a copper cylinder engraved with the date 4 May 1939, to be placed in the foundations of the new Waterloo Bridge
*Photograph of a Royal visit to the London County Council's Kings Mead housing estate in Hackney, dated 30 Mar 1939
*Photograph of President Lebrun addressing a grouping at County Hall, dated 22 Mar 1939
*Photograph of Eveline Mary Lowe shaking a gentleman's hand, inscribed in ink; 'zoo dinner', photographed by Rawood Ltd
*Photograph of Eveline Mary Lowe seated and holding a book, photographed by Swaine
*Oval photograph of head and shoulders of Eveline Mary Lowe
*Photograph of a meeting chaired by Eveline Mary Lowe at County Hall
A printed copy of a special commemorative section of an issue of 'The Star' newspaper, dated 21 Mar 1939, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the London County Council, presented to the Rt Hon the Chairman of the Council, Mrs Eveline M Lowe; originally held within an embossed red leather wallet.
Photograph of portrait of Eveline Mary Lowe wearing her Chairman's chain. Inscription on reverse reads ' Evelyn Lowe, 1924'.
Silver, sewn on to blue and red ribbon, front: Maltese cross shape, with red enamelled arms, bearing the head of George V
back: embossed with 'faith, hope, charity, 1883'. Possibly a Royal Red Cross award for nursing services, awarded to Alice Esther Farren (the sister of Eveline Lowe)?
Brooch, blue and gold enamelling with the inscription 'EL (monogram) Eveline Lowe House service for others'
h. 5 cm x w. 3 cm