BY THE DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND CRIPPLES GUILD, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Millicent, 4th Duchess of Sutherland (1867-1955) was a well-known social reformer in the Potteries area of Staffordshire who was actively involved in many local causes. Notable among these was her campaign to eliminate the use of lead in the glazing process in the pottery industry which had poisoned so many women employed as 'dippers'. The Duchess also founded the Potteries Cripples Guild, which produced hand beaten copper ware of simple elegant design and the Hanchurch Holiday Home, both of which were later joined to become the North Staffordshire Cripples Aid Society. During the First World War, Millicent established a Red Cross Hospital, The Millicent Sutherland Ambulance, first in Belgium and then in France.