Progress and persistence: first women of the RSE | Exhibition

A celebration of the first women Fellows of the RSE brought to life through contemporary illustrations by Glasgow-based artist Sophy Louise.

In 1949, over 160 years after the RSE’s founding, the Society elected its first five women Fellows. These extraordinary figures, who excelled in science, education, and public service, persisted in a system which discriminated against them to take their rightful place among Scotland’s most distinguished thinkers.

Visit this new exhibition honouring their legacy through vibrant illustrations by Glasgow-based artist Sophy Louise. Her colourful, contemporary style reimagines the lives and work of these remarkable women for a new generation of viewers.

The exhibition invites you to reflect on how far society has come – and how much further we can go.

Opening times:

Saturday 6 September–Sunday 14 September 13:00–18:00

This exhibition is a drop-in activity - This exhibition is a drop-in event, you can arrive anytime that the exhibition is open and stay as long as you like. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.

About the artist:

Sophy Louise

Sophy Louise, an illustrator based in Glasgow, celebrates heritage and contemporary Scottish culture through her colourful art. Inspired by people’s stories and folklore, she embeds strong ties to place and history within her work, creating visual stories that capture our shared intangible cultural heritage. She has been a weekly trader at one of Scotland's oldest markets, the Barras, for 3 years now – and stocks her work in various locations around the central belt.

Important points to note:

• Photography: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Curious team know if you do not want to be photographed.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair access: The exhibition can be accessed via a step-free route. The step-free entrance is accessed using a doorbell and is the same entrance as the step-free access to Lakeland.

Privacy Policy

Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.

Newsletter

If you would like to receive information from the RSE on forthcoming events and activities, including our Newsletter, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk

Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about venue and events.Within this event, there are two games that deal with sensitive content: