The Jacket Women: single mothers of the workhouse by Maria Pavledis

Opening times, admission and location

Opening times

Visit this exhibition during our normal opening hours, from 9 March to 1 November 2026

Admission prices

This exhibition is included with the general admission price

Where we are

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Gressenhall, Dereham, NR20 4DR

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About The Jacket Women

Print and mixed media, by Maria Pavledis. © Norfolk Museums

Artist and printmaker Maria Pavledis presents work responding to the story of Gressenhall's 'Jacket Women' - single mothers and residents of the workhouse who were marked out by their clothing.

Resonating with her own personal experience as a single parent, Maria invited others in her community to pose for a series of large-scale prints. Drawing on literature and dance, the prints' ethereal presence and unique texture seek to evoke memory and emotion as well as historical narrative. Ghostly jackets explore the diverse personal circumstances that may have led these women to the workhouse's door while the overall work serves as a testament to their resilience and survival.

See Maria's artwork alongside a small display of workhouse objects in the First Floor Exhibition Gallery.

Special Thanks to the funders of this project The Arts Council of England and the supporters who include; Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, Norfolk Library and Information Service, Norfolk County Council, Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Tilted Women, Magic Acorns, Vision Norfolk, and Essex Cultural Diversity Project.