A New Era of Women: Gwynneth Grimwood

20th March 2025

Born in 1942 in Lochgelly, Scotland, Gwynneth Grimwood entered the world during the height of World War II. That year, the Battle of Stalingrad raged on the Eastern Front. At the same time, Foxholes had transitioned into a maternity ward (1939–1951), providing care to expectant mothers while the world faced turmoil.

A Career That Started in Post-War London 

At 16 years old, Gwynneth moved to London to live with her mother and stepfather, and began working in the accounts department at Selfridges—a time when department stores represented post-war optimism and new opportunities for women in the workplace.

Working at Selfridges in the mid-1950s, Gwynneth would have been immersed in a retail world of innovation and grandeur. The store had recently been modernised and expanded, reflecting the evolving consumer tastes of Britain’s economic recovery. Selfridges was famous for its extravagant window displays, particularly at Christmas, drawing crowds eager to see the theatrical showcases of fashion and luxury. The store also hosted cultural exhibitions and events, making it more than just a shopping destination—it was a hub of progress, creativity, and post-war renewal.

It was also at a London dance academy that she met Richard, her future husband, bonding over their shared love of ballroom dancing. They married and lived in Fulham before relocating to Stevenage in the early 1960s, when Richard took on a building and surveying role with the local council. They had two children, Trevor and Louise.

Gwynneth’s career flourished as she worked for the local council and spent 25 years as a secretary at Stevenage Museum, a role she cherished until her retirement.

Stevenage Museum is a cornerstone of local heritage, preserving the town’s history from its early days through its transformation into the UK’s first post-war New Town. The museum’s extensive collections include archaeological finds, geological specimens, and thousands of artifacts that document life in Stevenage over the centuries.

During her time at the museum, Gwynneth was immersed in an environment dedicated to preserving local history and engaging the community. The museum’s photographic archive alone contains over 18,000 images, offering a visual record of Stevenage’s evolution. Its diverse exhibitions—ranging from local industry and agriculture to wartime stories—reflected the town’s deep and varied history.

Throughout her life, Gwynneth pursued her passion for history, charity, and community work. She was deeply involved in:

Outside of her career and charitable work, Gwynneth had many talents. She had a lifelong love of Scottish dancing, knitting, and sewing and was an exceptional seamstress. She dedicated her skills to making clothes and costumes for her daughter Louise’s theatre academy, continuing to craft pieces until recent years.

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