
A tablecloth decorated and used by Morebath WI
In November 1922, an article appeared in the Gazette outlining the, then fairly recent, development of the Women’s Institute (WI). Founded in Canada in 1897, it was brought to this country by a Canadian immigrant. The first WI in the UK was founded in 1915, during the First World War. It particularly encouraged women from rural areas to grow and preserve food so contributing to the war effort.

Little Knittington, created in 1988 by members of Puddington and Black Dog WI
The National Federation was formed in 1917 and the first branch in Devon started in Cullompton in the same year. The organisation was growing so rapidly that it needed representation at County level. In 1920 the Devon Federation of Women’s Institute was founded. For many years, when it was unusual for women to work outside the home, the WI provided opportunities for interests in the outside world and much needed social interaction.

Commemorative china given to the Museum by Willand WI