Twining, Louisa (1820–1912)

views updated

Twining, Louisa (1820–1912)

British reformer. Born 1820 in London, England; died 1912 in Tunbridge Wells, England; dau. of Robert Twining.

Trained as artist and published Symbols and Emblems of Early and Medieval Art (1952); began working among poor and organized workhouse visiting scheme which was implemented after publication of her "Practical Lectures to Ladies" (1855); was active in Workhouse Visiting Society and workhouse reform, delivering paper to Social Science Association (1857) and giving evidence on Poor Schools to Poor Law Boards; set up hostel for workhouse girls (1861) and Workhouse Infirmary Nursing Association (1870); became member of board of guardians of Society for Promoting Employment of Women (1884) and was one of founders of Bedford College; wrote Workhouses and Women's Work (1858), Recollections of Life and Work (1895), and Workhouses and Pauperism (1898)l; also supported suffrage movement.