Camilla Wedgwood facts for kids

Camilla Hildegarde Wedgwood (born March 25, 1901 – died May 17, 1955) was a smart British lady who studied people and cultures (an anthropologist). She also helped run universities. Camilla was famous for her studies in the Pacific Ocean region. She was one of the very first women anthropologists in the British Commonwealth countries.

Growing Up and Learning

Camilla Wedgwood was born on March 25, 1901. Her hometown was Newcastle upon Tyne in England. Her father was Josiah Wedgwood. He later became the first Baron Wedgwood. Her mother was Ethel Bowen Wedgwood. Camilla was part of the large and famous Wedgwood family. Her parents separated when she was young.

Camilla went to two private schools. These were Orme Girls' School and Bedales School. She then went to college at Bedford College in London. She also studied at Newnham College, Cambridge at the University of Cambridge.

At Cambridge, she studied English and anthropology. She did very well in both subjects. Women were not given degrees by Cambridge until 1948. But she earned a special "Master of Arts" status in 1927. She learned from famous anthropologists like Bronisław Malinowski.

Her Career as an Anthropologist

After college, Camilla Wedgwood worked at Bedford College. She was an assistant teacher in social studies. In 1927, she moved to the University of Sydney in Australia. She became a lecturer in anthropology there. She also helped prepare notes from another anthropologist, Arthur Bernard Deacon, for a book.

In 1930, she taught for a short time in South Africa. She then returned to England. From 1930 to 1932, she taught at the London School of Economics. She also worked as a personal assistant to Bronisław Malinowski.

Research in Papua New Guinea

In 1932, Camilla received a special grant. This allowed her to do fieldwork on Manam Island. This island is off the coast of Papua New Guinea. She studied the people and their culture there.

Also in 1932, she became a member of the Royal Anthropological Institute. This is an important group for anthropologists.

Leading a College

In 1935, Camilla Wedgwood became the Principal of The Women's College. This is a college for women at the University of Sydney. She was very active in Sydney's social life during this time. She left this job in 1944 to join the military.

World War II Service

During World War II, Camilla helped plan education and government in Papua New Guinea. She had been a pacifist, meaning she believed in peace and not war. But she changed her mind to help with the war effort.

She joined the Australian Army Medical Women's Service. In January 1944, she became a lieutenant colonel. After two years, she left the army in 1946.

After the War

After the war, Camilla worked at the Australian School of Pacific Administration. This school trained Australian officers. These officers would help govern areas in the Pacific. She stayed in this role until she passed away.

Camilla Wedgwood died on May 17, 1955, in Sydney. She had lung cancer. A street in Canberra, Australia, called Wedgwood Close, is named after her.

Personal Life

Camilla Wedgwood was a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Quakers believe in peace. Later in her life, she became interested in the Anglican Church. In 1944, she joined the Church of England in Australia.

Selected works