One hundred years of the Women’s Institute

Tomorrow marks a momentous anniversary: one hundred years of the pioneering Women’s Institute (WI).

The WI was first formed in 1915 during the First World War in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey Wales. It had two very clear aims: to encourage women to produce food during WW1, and revitalise rural communities throughout Great Britain.

Its members are given many educational opportunities and the chance to build up a range of different skills, as well as participate in many campaigns and activities that are important to them and their communities.

A century on from its formation, the organisation currently has over 200,000 members in over 7,000 different WI’s around England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, making it the largest women’s voluntary organisation in the UK.

The WI ‘jamming’ in 1941

The WI also exists in Canada, with the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario having over 4,500 members in over 300 branches.

The organisation has gone on to inspire several popular television shows and films, such as Calendar Girls and Jennifer Saunders’ sitcom Jam and Jerusalem. 

At Roman Blinds Direct, we are celebrating this significant milestone by showcasing some of our most-feminine designs by Prestigious; perfect for WI members, or anyone, to show off their feminine side:

Prestigious Zanzibar Lipstick

Sometimes you just have to be bold, and this Zanzibar Lipstick fabric from Prestigious is the perfect way to go. The passionate shade of pink makes a daring statement in your home, showing that here is someone who is not afraid to show off their feminine side in a big way.

Prestigious Fern Bluebell

From passion to pastel, this calming shade of bluebell from Prestigious incorporates a beautifully simple floral pattern, stitched onto a high quality fabric. The soothing colours and elegant pattern works wonders at creating a friendly and tranquil atmosphere in any room. Maybe a local WI could benefit from one of these in their meeting room…

Prestigious Fern Bluebell

Prestigious Carousel Heather

Prestigious Carousel Heather is very reminiscent of the ’60’s – the decade women became empowered. Janis Joplin-up your pad and liberate your decor with this groovy design, which is both contemporary and classic.

Prestigious Carousel Heather

Prestigious Willoughby Azure 

The bright blue background of this fabric has some serious competition when competing with the vibrant and vivid colours that are prominently used in this pattern. The contrasting reds and greens make this a striking focal point, whatever your interior design taste, and ensure that this floral design catches the eye of any and all visitors.

Prestigious Willoughby Azure

Prestigious Magenta Swirl

Another striking pattern thanks to contrastig colours; however, this time it is a result of greens and purples. This swirling pattern is a hypnotic aesthetic that it impossible to ignore in any room. The occasional blue swirl adds whole new dimension to the fabric, making this design elegant, sophisticated and above all, stylish.

Prestigious Swirl Magenta

All of these designs are available as roman blinds, cushions and curtains.