Iconic British Women is a celebration of eight extraordinary women who have inspired, challenged and changed the world in very different ways. Each figure is handmade almost entirely from recycled and repurposed materials, with the
‘bones’ of their bodies being recycled ironing boards
From Amy Winehouse and Zandra Rhodes to Emmeline Pankhurst, Mary Anning, Vivienne Westwood, Florence Nightingale, Jo Bateman and Alice Cross of Teignmouth, these sculptures celebrate creativity, courage, determination and individuality.
By turning discarded objects into characters with their own stories, the sculptures also carry a message about recycling, sustainability and giving new life to the things we throw away — proving that inspiration, like art, can come from the most unexpected places.
Teignmouth Riot Women is a relaxed, supportive group for women who want to connect, create, and be heard.
Whether you’re feeling outspoken, curious, creative, or just in need of fun, friendship and good company, this is a space where you can show up exactly as you are.
Come along to meet new friends, share ideas, chat openly, and support one another in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment. There’s no pressure to perform or participate in any way — just community, conversation, and connection.
What to expect:
– A friendly, inclusive space for women
– Opportunities to meet new people
– Open conversation and shared experiences
– Creativity, laughter, and mutual support
– Bring your own projects, ideas and most importantly, bring you !
Teignmouth Riot Women meet at The Alice Cross Centre on the 1st Sunday of each month from 6-8pm
Tea, coffee and licensed bar available
Find us on Facebook @teignmouthriotwomen
Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE 1941–2022 iconic fashion designer, punk pioneer and passionate climate activist
A fearless iconic fashion designer, creative rebel and passionate climate activist who used her voice and influence to challenge the world to think differently. She proved that fashion could be a powerful vehicle for protest, creativity and social change.
In 2006, her extraordinary contribution to British fashion and design was recognised when she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire — becoming Dame Vivienne Westwood.
She used her fashion collections and public platform to drive major environmental and climate campaigns, focusing on rainforest protection, green energy, anti-fracking and ocean conservation.
In 2012, she launched her Climate Revolution campaign at the closing ceremony of the London Paralympic Games, calling on people to unite and take action to protect our planet. More information about the campaign can be found here: https://www.viviennewestwood.com/en/climate-revolution/
In my sculpture, I have tried to capture her as she appeared at the launch of her 2012 Climate Revolution Campaign
My sculpture is made almost entirely of reclaimed and recycled materials and her body was a discarded ironing board that was dumped in a nearby park.
I hope that with her instantly recognisable orange hair, bold ‘Climate Revolution’ message and striking accessories, that Vivienne herself has stepped straight into the sculpture trail to deliver her message.
I also hope that Vivienne would be delighted to be here in Teignmouth again, as she has strong connections here – her mum, Dora Swire lived in Fourth Avenue, Teignmouth ! How wonderful is that 
Dame Zandra Rhodes DBE 1940 –
Iconic British fashion designer, textile artist and fearless creative pioneer
A vibrant, flamboyant and utterly original fashion icon who has never been afraid to be different. Zandra Rhodes transformed British fashion with her bold colours, extraordinary prints and unmistakable style, challenging convention and celebrating individuality.
She founded her own label in 1970 and became internationally renowned for her pioneering textiles and daring designs. A true creative force, she brought punk attitude into high fashion and designed for royalty, celebrities, opera and ballet.
Awarded a CBE in 1997 for her contribution to fashion and textiles, she founded London’s Fashion and Textile Museum in 2003. She has continued to champion young creative talent while preserving her extraordinary body of work through her archive, ensuring her influence can inspire future generations.
My sculpture of Zandra is itself a celebration of creativity and reinvention. Made from a discarded ironing board and an eclectic collection of recycled and repurposed objects, I have transformed unwanted materials into a colourful tribute to a woman who has always turned the unexpected into something extraordinary.
In my sculpture, I wanted to capture Zandra’s energy, imagination and courage to stand out from the crowd — proving that creativity has no age and that being different can be your greatest strength.
A Voice for Women
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928) transformed the fight for women’s rights through her leadership of the suffragette movement. Her presence in Teignmouth is part of her mission to demand equality for all. This sculpture celebrates her bravery and reminds us of the progress made because she refused to be silent.
Amy Winehouse 1983 – 2011
Amy Jade Winehouse was a British singer, songwriter, musician and businesswoman. Known for her distinctive contralto vocals, expressive and autobiographical songwriting, and eclectic blend of genres such as soul, jazz and rhythm and blues.
Amy won ‘Best British Female Solo Artist’ in 2007, and won several Grammy Awards in 2008, including record of the year and song of the year for ‘rehab’.
Amy is widely considered one of the most distinctive, talented and influential vocalists of the modern era – a true music icon.
Florence Nightingale 1820 – 1910.
Florence Nightingale was an English Social Reformer, Statistician and the founder of modern nursing.
Florence came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War. She organised care for the wounded soldiers. Florence significantly reduced death rates by improving hygiene and living standards.
Florence gave nursing a favourable reputation and became an icon of Victorian culture. She was known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp’.
Alice Beatrice Cross BEM
1895-1995
Founder of the Alice Cross Centre
A remarkable Teignmouth woman who devoted her life to the welfare of older people. Her compassion, determination and belief that no one should feel lonely or forgotten continues to inspire our community today.