Mabel Lucy Matthews facts for kids

Mabel Lucy Matthews (born Mabel Lucy Hanlon, 25 May 1879 – 2 February 1970) was a British electrical engineer. She helped start the Electrical Association for Women, which taught people how to use electricity in their homes.

Early Life and Career

Mabel Lucy Hanlon was born in Wakefield on 25 May 1879. She grew up in Yorkshire and Cheshire. Her father was a Chelsea Pensioner, a former soldier who lived at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. He later worked as a gatekeeper for government offices in Whitehall, London.

In 1901, Mabel married Richard Matthews. They lived in Barrow-in-Furness, where her husband worked as a company secretary. Sadly, Richard died in 1909. After his death, Mabel moved to live with her parents and sister in London. She took on clerical work and started working for a company that made engineering equipment for paper makers.

Working with Electricity

By 1923, Mabel Matthews was in charge of the Electrical Department at the Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Co Ltd. This company had a factory in Scotland, but its main office was in Piccadilly, London. Mabel later became the manager of the entire company.

Even though she didn't have formal engineering degrees, Mabel had a lot of practical experience. By 1923, she became a graduate member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. She became an Associate member in 1930. She often gave talks about special equipment like coal mining drills and welding tools.

Mabel was also an early member of the Women's Engineering Society, which started in 1919. She gave talks to this group as early as 1922.

Little Giant Electric drills from the Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Co Ltd in 1929

Starting the Electrical Association for Women

In 1924, Mabel Matthews came up with an important idea. She wanted to make it easier for people to use electricity in their homes. At that time, many people didn't know how to use the new electric appliances. She got the idea from a conversation she had while working on a farm during a war. An old farm worker told her, "This is a job where you can work hard or you can work light, what you want is to work light." This made her think about how electricity could help women work "light" at home.

Mabel presented her idea to the Institution of Electrical Engineers, but they said no. The Electrical Development Association also turned her down, saying it wasn't the right time for such an organization.

Mabel didn't give up! She then talked to Caroline Haslett, who was the Secretary of the Women's Engineering Society (WES). Caroline was very excited about the idea. She took it to Lady Katharine Parsons, who was the President of WES. Lady Parsons was not as enthusiastic at first, but she was convinced to support the idea.

A special meeting was set up for 12 November 1924. It was held at Lady Parsons' home in London. Many important people attended, including engineers and leaders from women's groups. Mabel Matthews read her paper to the group. She explained how electricity could help women save energy and make their homes more comfortable.

After a lively discussion, everyone agreed to form a "Women's Electrical Association." They also thanked Mrs. Matthews for her great idea.

The Women's Electrical Association officially started in December 1924. Caroline Haslett became its first Director. In early 1925, the name was changed to the Electrical Association for Women (EAW). This was to avoid confusion with another group called the Workers' Educational Association.

Mabel Matthews also became a vice president of the EAW. The EAW continued its work until 1986, when its goals were met. Mabel retired around 1940. She lived in Herne Hill at the end of her life and passed away on 2 February 1970 in Camberwell.