Much #female #representation in permanent collections is of women in domestic settings: portrayed in ‘gilded cages’ or in the perceived rustic charm of being poor. Music, reading, sewing: all ‘suitable’ occupations for women in a #gildedcage. This example: #Guildhall #London

This #female in a #gildedcage painting in #Manchester #Art Gallery is titled “Sweet Industry”.

A bit more #gildedcage #sewing In #Manchester!
In so many galleries you’ll see women portrayed in ‘quiet occupation’. What message does it send?

Oh let’s not forget the #PreRaphaelites and the #gildedcage!

And this painting is even called ‘Quiet Occupation’! It seems society just LOVES to see a bit of female tranquility. Get on with a bit more sewing, reading and mending then.

A little #creative #disruption to point out another example of the ‘gilded cage’. In this case, it is the confining enclosure of the walled garden. #ashmolean #museum #oxford #museumactivism #female #representation

“You just busy yourself with your flowers. It’s all a pretty head needs”.
#gildedcage @GuildhallArt #guildhall