Awardwinning film celebrates pioneering marys

Snugboro Film's 'Ladies of Science: The Extraordinary Story of Mary Rosse and Mary Ward' is the previously untold story of two pioneering women from the 19th century.

The 56 minute TV documentary made the leap to the international stage in recent weeks with appearances at the Life Fest Film Festival in Hollywood where it won ‘Best Short Documentary; and the St Tropez Film Festival, in France where it was nominated for awards including Best Director, Scientific and Educational Award, Best Short Documentary, and went on to win the coveted title of Best Editing Documentary.

Further, Ladies of Science has been admitted at the Long Island International Film Expo 2015.

The award winning documentary boasts an ensemble cast including Alex Cusack and Nelly Henrion who portray our favoured heroines: Mary Rosse, and the Honourable Mary Ward respectively. For the first time the life works and previously unknown accomplishments of both Mary Rosse and Mary Ward have been collated in a series of interviews; and elegantly retold through dramatization.

Mary Rosse was famed locally for her work as an architect, a blacksmith, and perhaps most notably, a pioneer photographer. She was also heavily involved in the construction of the ‘Monster Telescope’ in Birr, Co Offaly, otherwise known as the ‘Leviathan’; it was the largest telescope in the world for over seventy years.

Her friend, Mary Ward, became a highly regarded scientific expositor; microscopist; and astronomer. She often visited Birr Castle where she documented and studied the wildlife in the ground; as well as illustrating with minute detail, the night skies as seen by the Leviathan. In a tragic twist of fate, she ultimately became more famous for her death. She died on the 31st August 1869 when she fell from her seat on a steam carriage. Her death is known as the first road fatality in Ireland. It is perhaps ironic, Mary Ward’s death was linked to a feat of modern engineering, devised and created by her cousins at Birr Castle.

‘The Ladies of Science’ celebrates these women and their achievements as pioneering women in the Victorian era.

Mary Rosse and Mary Ward achieved extraordinary feats unhindered by their gender or social status.

Women were household managers, duty bound to their families. Yet, both Mary Rosse and Mary Ward excelled in their respective fields of science despite their lack of formal education. They networked events gaining recognition among the scientific elite in order to gain articles and advanced technologies, effectively earning the respect of their male peers.

Mary Ward was in regular correspondence with members of the Royal Astronomical Society; from which she was granted access to Greenwich Observatory. She went on to publish a series of books and academic papers; while raising her children and managing her family’s limited finances.

Similarly, Lady Rosse delicately balanced her home duties and hobbies. She was described as the perfect host and mother; yet her architectural and interior design patterns are still a talking point in Birr today. Though, it was her photographic skills which earned her a distinguished accolade: in 1859, she was awarded the silver medal from the Photographic Society of Ireland for her paper negatives. Her works survive in Birr Castle archives.

During the years 1830 to 1869, Birr (formally Parsonstown) became a centre of excellence in science, and two women were central to this technological revolution.

Mary Rosse and Mary Ward had a passion for scientific technologies, namely: photography, astronomy, microscopy; they also dabbled in architecture, interior design, illustration and the design process of engineering works; all during a time when women were not admitted into university, and rarely had the privilege of a formal education. The life and works of these two women are commendable due to their efforts in science.

Both women ultimately utilised their position of ‘Angel’ to create a home for their families and maintain the Victorian feminine ideal; though, commendably, they used their artistic skills, creativity and charm to educate themselves and actively participate in the industrial and technological revolution.

These ladies had a unique insight, which they used to develop their artistic talents; this would then impinge on their scientific experiments. These women then effortlessly bridged the disciplines of science and art, in order to encourage modernity and defy stereotypical Victorian norms. They often exercised liberties that other women would not dream, and actively sought education to assist the advancement of their ambitious projects.

Their works are viewed as a dignified revolution in the Early Victorian era.

THE PRODUCTION

Alessandra Usai is an Italian film maker who discovered the story of Lady Mary Rosse and Mary Ward when she directed a short fiction based on their lives. She quickly fell in love with these fascinating women and could not understand how their story remained untold.

In April 2013 she joined a small team of researchers: within months, Alessandra received the support of the present Lord and Lady Rosse who granted free access to their resources in Birr Castle, including artefacts, documents and locations. By November 2013, over 20 people were involved in the production; this number grew to 60 people by February 2014.

The Irish production was then shot on location in Dublin’s Castle Hotel and Birr Castle between February and May 2014. The story is told through a series of interviews, narration and dramatization. The documentary is supported by original materials; including the original photographic equipment; the original copies of Mary Ward’s books; family portraits; project notes; and architectural designs drawn by Lady Rosse; as well as original photographs and sketches of the telescope. The narration is provided by Lalla Ward, the great-great granddaughter of Mary Ward. She is a noted actress and author, best known for her role as Romana in the original BBC series of Doctor Who.

THE PRODUCTION COMPANY

Snugboro Film was established in 2011 by Liam Grant to develop and produce films, documentaries and digital content whilst giving a stage to Ireland’s talented film makers, producers, writers and cinematographers.

The initial objective was to produce five or six short films each year, using the specialist talents available. Snugboro Film was established to encourage a community of filmmakers and other talent, who would help each other with practical assistance and support with a view to producing high quality films for entry into film festivals.

This project is headed up by Alessandra Usai, who produced and directed a number of independent documentaries. Alessandra has been nominated ‘Best Director of a Short Documentary’ at the 2015 St Tropez Film Festival.

Along with the director’s nomination, ‘Ladies of Science’ has also been nominated for the following awards at the St Tropez Film Festival: ‘ Best Editing of a Documentary 2015’; ‘Scientific and Educational Award 2015; and the coveted ‘Best Short Documentary 2015’.