14 Comments
User's avatar
Helen Barrell's avatar

Such an extraordinary woman. I've often wondered about the women behind the Make Do and Mend book, and it's great to "meet" at least one of them and find out so much about her too.

And as an aside - that amazing necklace of hers. Onyx or something with big... sunflowers? Stars? She's wearing it in the photo at the top with her husband, and the portrait photo of her at the end too. What a statement piece!

Expand full comment
Sarah Harkness's avatar

Well spotted! Maybe some day I can ask her descendants...

Expand full comment
Helen Barrell's avatar

Oh, please! That'd be brilliant. I wonder where the necklace ended up?

Expand full comment
Sarah Harkness's avatar

I think it's jet? Which might make it Victorian?

Expand full comment
Helen Barrell's avatar

Ahh yes, jet! Of course. I wonder if it was an heirloom from one of grandmothers?

Expand full comment
Jules's avatar

I've so enjoyed learning about this remarkable woman. What an eventful and useful life. I loved what Tam Dalyell said about her in her obituary. Beautiful.

Thanks Sarah!

Expand full comment
Sewing  Mends The Soul's avatar

Thank you Sarah, what an amazing women Jill Greenwood was & her story so beautifully told.

Expand full comment
Margaret Bennett's avatar

Such a brilliant piece. Thank you I really enjoyed it.

Expand full comment
Rob Devaney's avatar

What a fascinating woman thank you for telling her story so well

Expand full comment
Victoria K. Walker's avatar

What an extraordinary woman with a remarkable life. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you, Sarah.

Expand full comment
Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Wonderful, Sarah. That final letter is a perfect way to finish off her remarkable story. And "what, with tweeds?" is such a treat.

Expand full comment
Rod Hirsch's avatar

Thank you for Part 2, Sarah. Whenever I read about a remarkable woman – and Gillian Greenwood was nothing if not remarkable – I'm reminded what an under-achiever I am! Thankfully, most of us are too; it takes a lot of ground cover for the tall poppies to stand out.

Expand full comment
June Girvin's avatar

What a fascinating woman and a fascinating life. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Deborah Cox's avatar

Wonderful article about an awesome woman She had some life.

Expand full comment