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This exhibition explores female freedom, using artefacts from the Science Museum collection.

Objects of beauty, female reproduction, and women’s health allows exploration of the intricacies of consent, freedom, coercion, and constraint. In turn, this enables their relationship to the pressures imposed upon them by society to be observed.

The exhibition highlights women have not had full agency of their bodies due to social pressures, force, lack of information, ideological agendas, and a lack of alternatives.

In some cases, objects and practices are forced upon women’s bodies to adhere to societal standards of beauty. Women take medication, only to later discover debilitating side effects. Women are offered medication to further the agenda of the provider. Women are given no other option but to accept what is commercialised for use, or face completely losing their freedom. Objects can be packaged up to appear to promote women’s freedom, but behind the masquerade is a level of non-consent and the perpetuation of the social subordination of women. Is a woman truly free despite her apparent consent or choice?

The diverse selection of objects in this exhibition illustrates this control is at play across the ages and across the globe, overtly and covertly.

Women’s relationship to the objects and themes in the exhibition reflects on the complex relationship between freedom and choice, and shows the latter doesn’t always equal the former. It invites visitors to consider the plight of women’s survival under social constraints.

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Carton for ‘Racial’ cervical cap, London, England, 1945-1960 | Science Museum Group Collection

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Lid of carton for cervical cap, “Racial” brand, London, 1945-1960.

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24x25mg of Distaval tablets (thalidomide) | Science Museum Group Collection

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24x25mg of Distaval tablets (thalidomide), in metal container, by The Distillers Co. Ltd., 1958-1962

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Information document 'System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety' | Science Museum Group Collection

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STEPS pack (System for Thalidomide Education and Prescribing Safety) - information about avoiding foetal exposure to thalidomide for prescribers and patients. Contains literature, surveys and consent forms.

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Thalidomide and it's information document

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Thalidomide and it's information document

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Thalidomide:
The Distillers Company Limited
1958

Information document:
Celgene Corporation
1999

It was widely used in Europe and Japan as an anti-emesis drug. Soon after its introduction, data showed that pregnant women using the drug had increased rates of miscarriage and malformation causes birth defects. Causing the drug to be withdrawn from the market.
Later in 1999, the information document contains literature, surveys and consent forms issued by the American Food and Drug Administration to ensure doctors administered the drug correctly.

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Bottle of Enovid contrAceptive tablets 10mg, made by G D Searle and Co, Chicago, Illinois, USA, and prepared by G D Searle & Company Limited, High Wycombe, England, 1961-1970 (see note)

In 1961, 'Enovid' became the first oral contraceptive pill approved for use in the United Kingdom. Birth control was something of a taboo subject before the 1960s. 'The pill' seemed an ideal contraceptive because it was effective but not messy, and it did not interfere with sex. However, the first pills had a far higher level of hormones than was required. This caused heart problems in some women. 'The pill' is now prescribed with far lower levels of hormones.

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Bottle of 'Enovid' contraceptive pills, United Kingdom, 1960-1965 | Science Museum Group Collection

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Bottle of Enovid contrAceptive tablets 10mg, made by G D Searle and Co, Chicago, Illinois, USA, and prepared by G D Searle & Company Limited, High Wycombe, England, 1961-1970 (see note) In 1961, 'Enovid' became the first oral contraceptive pill approved for use in the United Kingdom.

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In 1961, ‘Enovid’ become the first oral contraceptive pill available in the UK.  The pill helped the development of sexual revolution among women. In fact, some social conservatives blamed the pill for the sexual revolution – they feared that with hormonal contraception women could separate sex from procreation, theroferore they could have sex anytime with anyone. However, it is known that unmarried women were having sex prior to the development of the pill. Therefore, oral contraception allowed women to engage with the same behaviour reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy. First versions of contraceptive pills had much higher dosage of hormones than required. This caused heart problems in some women. Modern contraceptive pills contain far lower levels of hormones. Yet they also have side effects in many women

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In 1961, ‘Enovid’ become the first oral contraceptive pill available in the UK.  The pill helped the development of sexual revolution among women. In fact, some social conservatives blamed the pill for the sexual revolution – they feared that with hormonal contraception women could separate sex from procreation, theroferore they could have sex anytime with anyone. However, it is known that unmarried women were having sex prior to the development of the pill. Therefore, oral contraception allowed women to engage with the same behaviour reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy. First versions of contraceptive pills had much higher dosage of hormones than required. This caused heart problems in some women. Modern contraceptive pills contain far lower levels of hormones. Yet they also have side effects in many women

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‘Enovid’ become the first contraceptive pill available in the UK. The pill helped the development of sexual revolution as this method of contraception was fully controlled by women. Some social conservatives blamed the pill for the revolution. However, it is known that unmarried women were having sex prior to the development of the pill.

First versions of contraceptive pills had very high dosage of hormones. This caused heart problems in some women. Modern versions contain far lower levels of hormones, yet side effects are still common.

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One of five National Abortion Campaign badges | Science Museum Group Collection

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One of five National Abortion Campaign badges (see inscriptions for details), metal, British, 1970-1981.

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The National Abortion Campaign (NAC) was formed in 1975 and the group defended the Abortion Act 1967 against several proposed amendment bills during the 1970s and 1980s. These badges were left behind by the NAC during the protests and show the organisation's struggle for women's rights.

Women should have complete control over their own bodies and it is up to them to decide whether to have an abortion or not, both in terms of their consent to externally imposed acts and their own freedom of body and will.

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One of five National Abortion Campaign badges

1970-1981

The National Abortion Campaign (NAC) was formed in 1975 and the group defended the Abortion Act 1967 against several proposed amendment bills during the 1970s and 1980s. These badges were left behind by the NAC during the protests and show the organisation's struggle for women's rights.

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No. Still the most effective form of birth control | Science Museum Group Collection

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Poster ( b&w),'No' . with subtitle 'Still the most effective form of birth control' Image of word 'No' white on black background. Awareness of birth control contraception Produced by The Health Education Council, England, 1970-1987

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Poster for 'No. Still the most effective form of birth control.'

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Poster for 'No. Still the most effective form of birth control.'

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Awareness of birth control contraception Produced by The Health Education Council
England
1970-1987

Social conventions assumed most of the consequences for unwanted pregnancies fall on women. It suggested women should be "sure" and "ready" before they make love, stating the importance of consent. Imposes the responsibility of birth control on women.

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Poster entitled 'Women beware of Man made Medicine', published by the East London Health project, design by Loraine Leeson, 1970s.

'Women beware of Man made Medicine', states this poster. It was produced by The East London Health Project and features an image of a woman surrounded by information relating to the oral contraceptive pill. The photomontage was created by artist Loraine Leeson. It aimed to highlight potential side effects of the contraceptive pill.

In 1978, the East London Trades Councils wanted to give information about health issues to the local population. This was at a time when cuts were being made to the National Health Service (NHS). The East London Health Project was formed for this task and eight different posters were produced over the two years it existed.

Related Objects

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Poster entitled 'Women beware of Man made Medicine', London, England, 1978-1980 | Science Museum Group Collection

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Poster entitled 'Women beware of Man made Medicine', published by the East London Health project, design by Loraine Leeson, 1970s. 'Women beware of Man made Medicine', states this poster. It was produced by The East London Health Project and features an image of a woman surrounded by information relating to the oral contraceptive pill.

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Poster entitled 'Women beware of Man made Medicine'

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Poster entitled 'Women beware of Man made Medicine'

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published by the East London Health project
design by Loraine Leeson
1970s

A woman is surrounded by information on the pill. Side effects can be differ between genders. Worth mentioned it was published at a time of NHS cuts, and the East London Health project was formed to give info to population about health issues. 8 posters made over 2 years.

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Pair of shoes for women with bound feet | Science Museum Group Collection

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Pair of shoes for women with bound feet, wooden sole with brocade uppers, decorated with applique and embroidery, Chinese, 1870-1910

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At this time, ancient China was immersed in the worship of small feet. The whole society believed that small feet were beautiful for women. This deformed aesthetic resulted in all women being forced to cover their feet with cloth and wear shoes only about 9 to 10 centimeters to inhibit the natural growth of their feet, starting from childhood. This will undoubtedly do great harm to women's health, but also constrain women's freedom of body. They didn't have any freedom to choose, because it was determined by the social aesthetics of the time, and they had to obey.

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Four pills and two implants for the prototype male contraceptive pill manufactured by Organon, Netherlands, and used by Edinburgh University during successful trials in 1999. Due to the size of pills available the volunteers had to take four pills a day, and two implants every twelve weeks. Each pill contains 75 mcg of desogestrel, making a total of 300mcg, each implant contains 200mg of testosterone making a total of 400mg.

In 1999, Edinburgh University conducted trials to develop an oral male contraceptive. A pill containing the active ingredient desogestrel was taken four times daily. Two implants containing testosterone were inserted under the skin on the abdomen. These remained effective for three months. The implants were needed because the pill stopped the production of testosterone as well as sperm. The Edinburgh trials reduced the sperm count of the 60 men involved to zero.

Related Objects

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Prototype male pills and testosterone implants, produced in the Netherlands, 1999 | Science Museum Group Collection

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Four pills and two implants for the prototype male contraceptive pill manufactured by Organon, Netherlands, and used by Edinburgh University during successful trials in 1999. Due to the size of pills available the volunteers had to take four pills a day, and two implants every twelve weeks.

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In 1999, Edinburgh University conducted trials to develop an oral male contraceptive. The trials were discontinued as the pill reduced the amount of sperm and means to offset the effect were uneffective. However, there were other trials that seemed to be relatively successful. They didn’t make it to next stages of research after some of the participants reported side effects such as mood disorders - a common side effect in women using hormonal contraception. It is worth noting that the first trials happened in the late 1990s’, around 40 years later than works on female contraceptive pill. Some argue that there has been low societal will for production and administering of male contraceptive pill. If that’s the case, this fact points to responsibility of women in terms of birth control, therefore making full informed and consensual decision about using the pill in current circumstances.

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In 1999, Edinburgh University conducted trials to develop an oral male contraceptive. The trials were discontinued as the pill reduced the amount of sperm and means to offset the effect were uneffective. However, there were other trials that seemed to be relatively successful. They didn’t make it to next stages of research after some of the participants reported side effects such as mood disorders - a common side effect in women using hormonal contraception. It is worth noting that the first trials happened in the late 1990s’, around 40 years later than works on female contraceptive pill. Some argue that there has been low societal will for production and administering of male contraceptive pill. If that’s the case, this fact points to responsibility of women in terms of birth control, therefore making full informed and consensual decision about using the pill in current circumstances.

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In 1999, Edinburgh University conducted trials to develop an oral male contraceptive. The trials were discontinued as the contraceptive drastically reduced sperm count. Testosterone implants used to offset this side effect turned out to be ineffective. However, there were other trials that seemed to be more successful. They also were discontinued after some of the participants reported side effects such as mood disorders – common among women using hormonal contraception.

Notably, the first trials happened around 40 years later than work on female contraceptive pill. Some argue that the reason for that is low societal need for male contraceptive pill.

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Collar of Padaung women | Science Museum Group Collection

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Coiled brass collar with second interlocking coiled ring across it, worn by Padaung women of Upper Burma, 1801-1900

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This collar was made of brass for Myanmar women，they wear such necklaces is because in Myanmar, it is popular to regard beauty as long neck, and they believe that the longer neck a woman has, the more beautiful she is. Undoubtedly, this is also due to the restriction of women's freedom caused by abnormal aesthetics. Through heavy necklaces, women's necks are abnormally elongated to conform to the so-called social aesthetics, which restricts their freedom to control their bodies.

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A girl is wearing a very elaborate gown which is being altered at the waist by a woman with a needle and thread. Wood engraving by TB.

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This picture shows a woman having her dress tightened by a tailor in 19th century Europe. European women must constantly tighten up their clothes to follow the trend. To be sure, women have no choice but to conform to a social environment that emphasizes the beauty of a thin waist. This reflects the social restrictions on women, who do not have the freedom to choose their own style and accept the aesthetic imposed on them by the society.

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Body hoop for constricting the waist of Kachin women | Science Museum Group Collection

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Woven and twisted cane body hoop for constricting the waist of Kachin women, Burmese, 1801-1900

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This is a woven and twisted cane body hoop used to bind the waist of Kachin women and comes from Burma between 1801 and 1900. With the help of this hoop, women would have a slim waistline.
In the eyes of those who advocated this tool, female beauty was singular and morbid. Women used such tools at the expense of their health to conform to social aesthetic trends.
With this tacit consent to the perverse aesthetics of women, it is difficult to say that women are free in body and mind. Not only are their bodies in bondage, but their minds are also oppressed.

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Body hoop for constricting the waist of Kachin women

1801-1900 ，Myanmar
This is a woven and twisted cane body hoop used to bind the waist of Kachin women and comes from Burma between 1801 and 1900. With the help of this hoop, women would have a slim waistline.

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One of a pair of white high heeled shoes for use with artificial/prosthetic legs | Science Museum Group Collection

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One of a pair of white high heeled shoes for use with artificial/prosthetic legs specially adapted for a teenager user living with thalidomide impairments, Europe, 1975-1985

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One of a pair of white high heeled shoes for use with artificial/prosthetic legs

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One of a pair of white high heeled shoes for use with artificial/prosthetic legs

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1975-1985

MATERIALS: leather and metal

This white high heel is from the period 1975-1985 and was made for a woman's prosthetic leg. Information confirms that the reason for the woman's amputation came from a drug called thalidomide, a sedative used in pregnant women and also used as a sleeping pill, which was banned in the 1960s because it was found to cause foetal malformations.

This woman had her leg taken away by side effects after taking thalidomide and was fitted with a prosthetic leg, a white high heel made for the very prosthetic leg that was caused by taking an unsafe drug.

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Box for Dr John Hooper's Female Pills, United Kingdom, 1900-1950 | Science Museum Group Collection

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One of two round pill boxes of Dr John Hooper's Female Pills, by John Hooper, 1900-1950

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These pills were promoted as anti-hysteria pills. In the 19th century hysteria was considered diagnosable physical illness that manifested itself in ways such as anxiety or insomnia. It was thought of as a sex-selective disorder – limited only to those with a uterus. Treating hysteria often led to what we now think of as abuse. The ‘Female Pills’ were also used for stomach and period problem. It was suggested that pregnant women shouldn’t take them, what led to the pills being self-administered as abortion method. As such, the pills allowed women for actions that were not approved by the society.  

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These pills were promoted as anti-hysteria pills. In the 19th century hysteria was considered diagnosable physical illness that manifested itself in ways such as anxiety or insomnia. It was thought of as a sex-selective disorder – limited only to those with a uterus. Treating hysteria often led to what we now think of as abuse. The ‘Female Pills’ were also used for stomach and period problem. It was suggested that pregnant women shouldn’t take them, what led to the pills being self-administered as abortion method. As such, the pills allowed women for actions that were not approved by the society.  

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Silicone and saline breast implants, Europe, 2003 | Science Museum Group Collection

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One of three silicone and saline solution-filled breast implants, fitted with air valve, unsigned, Europe, 2003. Supplied by Mentor Medical Limited. Used for cosmetic surgery, not implant (see note).