Maker: Barbara McKenzie-Green

Panel number: 138

Petition Sheet Number: 158

Person honouring: Mrs Lydia Myrtle Williams

Relationship to makers: None

L.M. Williams is Lydia Myrtle Williams (1857-1938). 

Canoeing, camping, banjo-playing and gardening were among the activities enjoyed by Lydia Williams around the time she signed the suffrage petition. Born Lydia Myrtle Devereux, she grew up in Lower Hutt and worked as a teacher until she was 30. She left her position as head of Thorndon’s infant school in order to marry William Williams, a Railways storekeeper. The couple lived in Dunedin for many years and raised two sons there. William was an accomplished photographer, and a selection of his photographs featuring Lydia was shown at the National Library in 1993 in an exhibition marking the centennial of the petition. Her sister, Mary Ellen Devereux, also signed sheet 158 of the suffrage petition. 

Note: I received permission as below to use the photo on the panel. Details are as below: Lydia Williams with her banjo, Carlyle Street, Napier. Ref: ½-140245-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23104581You are very welcome to use this image. We have a soft spot for Lydia and would be delighted to see her on a suffrage panel.If you have written material to accompany the panel, please include the reference number and acknowledgement to William Williams (as the photographer) and the Alexander Turnbull Library, in the credits.

Panel materials: Main panel material was gifted by Janelle McLaughlin ( a talented and creative artist) and was from her grandmother’s old tablecloth. I used leftover quilting fabric and unused fish buttons. I purchased a small photo and embroidery thread.