Mary Lockyer - Ask Me About Mary project plans
Ask Me About Mary aims to raise the profile of Edwardian astronomer and social activist Mary Lockyer, sharing the story of her achievements in astronomy, photography and science, highlighting her important contribution to contemporary astronomy and photography. We are also keen to share the story of this early female fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), led by current Cornwall RAS fellow Carolyn Kennett.
We work with local partners at the Sidmouth Observatory (which Mary and her husband Norman Lockyer established), the Sidmouth Quilters and the Turning Tides Project, who are keen to research this inspiring story of a woman who overcame social restrictions to gain recognition as a scientist, whilst campaigning for equal housing, womens’ suffrage and education. We take the frame of the Lockyer’s 1905/6 tour of ancient sites in Devon and Cornwall to share the amazing story of Mary’s achievements and the Lockyer’s contribution to early archaeoastronomy. Tea and picnics were enjoyed along the way and we plan to do the same!
We start with community research with heritage experts, researchers and volunteers to learn more about Mary Lockyer’s story, working with heritage partners, Sidmouth Observatory and Exeter University PhD student Beatrice Steele to research more detail about Mary’s scientific and photographic work and the heritage of women photographers in astronomy. RAS experts share artifacts and knowledge about Mary and the other early female RAS fellows, online.
A Starlight exhibition of Lockyer heritage accompanies our activities tour (Sidmouth, Dartmoor, Stithians, Penzance, St Martin’s) sharing the story of Mary’s life and early archaeoastronomy in Devon and Cornwall, also Dark Skies and where to enjoy them. Observatory lantern slides are displayed alongside contemporary photography and Mary Lockyer quilt created by local society.
Community Starlight Projects: TTP Mary Lockyer songwriting project, for sharing widely at Sidmouth celebration and other events. Sidmouth Quilters research and sew a Mary Lockyer quilt, toured with our exhibition then housed at Obsevatory.
Artist heritage learning opportunities (heritage visits; drawing, film/photography, immersive residencies) and contemporary female photographer commissions lead to artwork shared widely on social media, in our touring exhibition and publication.
Participatory Starlight activities: Star stories intergenerational oral history recording and mass participation Arcturus Starlight doorstep astronomy project connect people to our Dark Skies heritage. Sidmouth Photography competition brings Mary Lockyer’s story into focus.
Our Stithians Starry Campout offers a low-priced weekend stargazing opportunity, with astronomer support, plus family fun, storytelling and stargazing drop in activities.
Community low light walks: We share enthusiasm for our dark skies and astronomical alignments at ancient sites. Two special heritage walks for groups with additional needs. Pre-walk picnic encouraged!
We offer 3 Star Tea community heritage celebrations delivered in partnership with local heritage volunteers and partners (Sidmouth Observatory, Museum of Dartmoor Life, Penzance Library and Cornwall Ancient Sites Protection Network).
We link the new St Martin’s Observatory, Scilly, to the Sidmouth one; volunteers support sharing the Lockyer’s story with locals and visiting artists.
We create a celebratory downloadable Mary Lockyer monograph, illustrated by project creative outcomes. Archaeoastronomy leaflet explains Edwardian/contemporary ideas.
We work with local partners at the Sidmouth Observatory (which Mary and her husband Norman Lockyer established), the Sidmouth Quilters and the Turning Tides Project, who are keen to research this inspiring story of a woman who overcame social restrictions to gain recognition as a scientist, whilst campaigning for equal housing, womens’ suffrage and education. We take the frame of the Lockyer’s 1905/6 tour of ancient sites in Devon and Cornwall to share the amazing story of Mary’s achievements and the Lockyer’s contribution to early archaeoastronomy. Tea and picnics were enjoyed along the way and we plan to do the same!
We start with community research with heritage experts, researchers and volunteers to learn more about Mary Lockyer’s story, working with heritage partners, Sidmouth Observatory and Exeter University PhD student Beatrice Steele to research more detail about Mary’s scientific and photographic work and the heritage of women photographers in astronomy. RAS experts share artifacts and knowledge about Mary and the other early female RAS fellows, online.
A Starlight exhibition of Lockyer heritage accompanies our activities tour (Sidmouth, Dartmoor, Stithians, Penzance, St Martin’s) sharing the story of Mary’s life and early archaeoastronomy in Devon and Cornwall, also Dark Skies and where to enjoy them. Observatory lantern slides are displayed alongside contemporary photography and Mary Lockyer quilt created by local society.
Community Starlight Projects: TTP Mary Lockyer songwriting project, for sharing widely at Sidmouth celebration and other events. Sidmouth Quilters research and sew a Mary Lockyer quilt, toured with our exhibition then housed at Obsevatory.
Artist heritage learning opportunities (heritage visits; drawing, film/photography, immersive residencies) and contemporary female photographer commissions lead to artwork shared widely on social media, in our touring exhibition and publication.
Participatory Starlight activities: Star stories intergenerational oral history recording and mass participation Arcturus Starlight doorstep astronomy project connect people to our Dark Skies heritage. Sidmouth Photography competition brings Mary Lockyer’s story into focus.
Our Stithians Starry Campout offers a low-priced weekend stargazing opportunity, with astronomer support, plus family fun, storytelling and stargazing drop in activities.
Community low light walks: We share enthusiasm for our dark skies and astronomical alignments at ancient sites. Two special heritage walks for groups with additional needs. Pre-walk picnic encouraged!
We offer 3 Star Tea community heritage celebrations delivered in partnership with local heritage volunteers and partners (Sidmouth Observatory, Museum of Dartmoor Life, Penzance Library and Cornwall Ancient Sites Protection Network).
We link the new St Martin’s Observatory, Scilly, to the Sidmouth one; volunteers support sharing the Lockyer’s story with locals and visiting artists.
We create a celebratory downloadable Mary Lockyer monograph, illustrated by project creative outcomes. Archaeoastronomy leaflet explains Edwardian/contemporary ideas.