Scrapbooks and albums of Mrs Ruth Homan

These scrapbooks consist of press cuttings, printed material and photographs relating to Ruth Homan's career as a member of the London School Board; two albums of photographs of domestic science teaching in the London area.

This collection is available for research. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit.

'Presented by Mrs Glover'

Ruth Homan (fl. 1870-1900) was the daughter of Sir Sydney Waterlow, (1822-1906), first baronet, Lord Mayor of London and philanthropist. She took classes at the South Kensington School of Cookery and underwent basic nursing training at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London. In 1873 she married Francis Wilkes Homan but was widowed in 1880. Mrs Homan was elected to serve on the London School Board in 1891. She served as Chair of the Tower Hamlets Divisional Committee and also as Chair of the Domestic Subjects Sub-committee. By 1902 she was also Vice-Chair of the Industrial Schools Committee. In these capacities, Mrs Homan endeavoured to promote the teaching of cookery, laundry work and homecraft. She was also active in related organisations such as the Poplar Board School Children's Boot and Clothing Help Society, of which she was treasurer, and the London Schools Dinners Association.