A new exhibition, "Left at The Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith" is showing at Dundee's Central Library from September 14 to October 14, 2024.
On September 14, 1911, Mary Petrie Smith made a fateful decision. She left her two young sons in their pram outside a pub at the top of the Wellgate Steps and boarded a ship bound for Canada. Now, 113 years later, this exhibition finally gives Mary a voice. But is this the whole truth? Did she truly leave everything behind, or is there more to her story than we'll ever know?
This exhibition, written and designed by Mary's descendant, Jamie Lees, invites you to consider the possibilities of what really happened that day in 1911 and what could have driven Mary to make such a drastic decision.
Jamie has travelled from Canada to Dundee for the exhibition launch. She has meticulously gathered artefacts, documents, photographs, and personal stories that provide an intimate look into her great grandmother's life and the historical context of early 20th century Dundee.
Visitors can take the opportunity to connect with the past, understanding the social and cultural fabric of the time. It shines a light on the challenges and resilience of women like Mary Petrie Smith, making it a profoundly personal and universal story of family and history.
In addition to the exhibition, there is a series of related talks by guest speakers and interactive events to further engage the community with the historical themes and the local stories presented. These include the chance to participate in a group investigation to solve Mary's mystery, a talk by leading scholar of Scottish women's history, Dr Esther Breitenbach and an in-conversation event with Caroline Brown and Morag Allan Campbell, who will discuss histories of Scottish women's mental health.
In collaboration with The Wellgate Project, this exhibition underscores the importance of preserving and sharing our heritage. The Wellgate Project has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, offering resources and expertise to bring this story to life.
Dr Erin Farley, Project Lead and Library & Information Officer at Leisure & Culture Dundee, said
"We've collaborated with Jamie in Canada from Scotland to create an immersive experience that sheds light on the social and cultural context of early 20th-century Dundee. This exhibition not only honours Mary Petrie Smith's legacy but also enriches our understanding of the historical landscape in which she lived."
Jamie Lees, Curator of the exhibition, adds
"Curating Left at The Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith has been an emotional journey of discovery and connection for me. It is a privilege to share my great grandmother's story with the people of Dundee and to highlight the resilience and strength of women like her."
The exhibition runs September 14 - October 14, 2024 at Dundee Central Library and is free to visit. Events are available to book at https://dundeelibraries.eventbrite.com