A New Exhibition from York's Chocolate Story

8th March - 31st December

York's Chocolate Story is pleased to announce the launch of their new exhibition for 2018 which will celebrate the (often unsung) roles that women have played in the confectionery industry.

Times of Change: Women and Confectionery launched on International Women's Day (8th March) and coincides with the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. It tells the stories of those pioneering women that had a profound effect on industry, confectionery and the wider world. The exhibition focuses on the role of women and the challenges they faced; and still do, in many cases. It looks it how far gender equality has come, but also how far it still has to go.

Since the confectionery industry began in the 17th Century, women have played a major part in shaping it. From Mary Tuke – who created a successful cocoa business against all adversity and paved the way for companies such as Rowntree's – to Mary Ann Craven, made famous for her humbugs and French almonds.

The products they made and the businesses they created became world-wide phenomena. Throughout the centuries, many women played their part in making the industry what it is today. Often overlooked in the history of chocolate, these women created some iconic innovations that can still be seen across the globe.

This new exhibition is made up of unique historical artefacts and fascinating testimony from those tenacious women who worked in the industry. Showcased within the exhibition are artefacts dating back to the 18th century, as well as old favourites like Quality Street and Black Magic tins. In addition, the displays will include rarer items, like the Pink Yorkie and Terry's Nutcracker memorabilia.

Ben Rosenfield, Exhibition Co-Ordinator: “It has been an honour to put this exhibition together. Not only has it been fascinating to learn about these magnificent women, but it's been an eye-opening experience and a real learning curve. It's amazing how much has changed and – perhaps even more so – how much hasn't changed. I was fortunate enough to interview some former factory workers. They has some incredible stories to tell, with a few surprising tales thrown in! We are proud to display their words as part of the exhibition. These are the unique parts of this city's history that have implications for the wider world.”

Guests can discover how workplace dynamics changed forever when the men were called to fight in both world wars, and how it wasn't that long ago that marriage could act as a serious career-hindrance. For centuries, women have been the unsung heroes of York's sweet heritage.

York's Chocolate Story is proud to pay homage to these incredible individuals and let their stories be told.

Did You Know…

·         Until 1966, when women got married they were not allowed to continue working at Rowntree's in a full time position.

·         For doing the same job, women could be paid 25% less than their male colleagues.

·         Male and female workers could only expect to earn the same wages between the ages of fourteen and sixteen.

·         To prepare for jobs involving packing thousands of chocolates a day, women were told to practise “playing an invisible piano”.

·         While fewer women than men were able to benefit from Rowntree pension scheme, those who were able to partake in it benefited greatly as the Company paid in up to sixty shillings for every twenty shillings paid by women, while only thirty shillings for every twenty shillings paid by men.

·         Rowntree's introduced a new 'uniform' policy for female workers, after a girl arrived at work exposing her throat and was reprimanded for 'attracting attention to herself'.

·         During WW2, women outnumbered men in explosives manufacture by 14 to 1!

·         Throughout its history female employees made up an average of 60% of the confectionery factory workforce.

-ENDS-

For PR enquiries, please contact Ben Rosenfield on 01904 527722 or email brosenfield@yorkschocolatestory.com

Notes to Editors:

York's Chocolate Story, located in the heart of York, is an entertaining and informative guided tour through the history of York's most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations. You'll discover chocolate's origins, how to make it, how to taste it like an expert and even the sustainable future of chocolate.

The journey begins thousands of years ago in the rainforests of Central America and continues through the history of chocolate's founding families and the fascinating facts behind their finest creations. Visitors can learn how a simple cocoa bean is transformed into the finest chocolate, and take a look at the history of York's most iconic chocolate brands. Then master the secrets of the chocolatier, as you create hand-made chocolates for yourself, before seeing how the experts do it.

We advise booking your tour online in advance at www.yorkschocolatestory.com

Opening Times:

·         The attraction is open daily from 10am – 5pm (last tour is at 4pm).

·         Closed on 25th December, 26th December and 1st January.

Attraction admission prices:

·         Adult £12.50

·         Concession £11.50

·         Child £10.00

·         Family of four £39.95

·         Family of five £47.95

·         Under 4's FREE

York's Chocolate Story is part of Continuum Attractions.