Lionesses of Hull

Lionesses banner poster with information about the exhibition. There is an image of Carol Thomas in an illustrated style

Carol Thomas at the exhibition launch

Lionesses of Hull was a project that came together in an exhibition at Streetlife Museum from August 2024 to March 2025 (the run was extended from February). The exhibition and the film we created as part of the project featured the story of Carol Thomas, former England Captain (from 1976 – 1985) and the first woman to earn 50 international caps and also Flo Bilton, a former goalkeeper, coach, co-founder of the Women’s Football Association.

The exhibition featured some objects from Carol’s career like her first cap (handsewn by Flo Bilton as women didn’t receive formal caps at that time), items from our collection, a pair of boots worn by Liz Deighan (who made her debut in the same game as Carol) on loan from the National Football Museum  and items borrowed by Reckitts archive as Carol played for Reckitts ladies in the local women’s company league set up by Flo Bilton.

Lionesses of Hull - multigenerational visitors looking into a glass object box
mother and daughter visitors looking at Carol's caps

Both the Exhibition and film also featured local women and girls grassroots players who shared their love of playing and watching football and touched on the impact sport can have on mental health and the sense of belonging and community in the women’s game.

young girls playing football outside on grass
a girl visiting does a goal celebration with outstretched arms

A mother and daughter sat at a table working on crafts together

The supporting programme included Memories Days, reminiscence with Forever Tigers, playing football in the museums gardens with the Active through Football Project team, creating a football anthem with Beats Bus, creating Lion/Lioness and Tiger/Tigress printed pennants with artists What If We Create, a talk by Carol herself and football related crafts.  

 

 

We had over 40,000 visitors in all and women and girls of all ages who play and support football turned up in their numbers to our events and to see the exhibition.

Here’s what the visitors had to say;

‘Realisation of true events. Proud of Hull - amazing history. Growing up in Hull I had no idea ladies football existed.’ Visitor

examples of post it feedback with girl's names‘It gives girls something to aspire to. They’re every bit as capable as boys- & more committed to the game not just fame & fortune.’ Visitor

‘[The best part was] Taking part in the process and being part of the film in the exhibition.’ Young Participant

‘When girls weren’t allowed to play football. I am glad I play football - Willow!!!’

‘Congratulations on a superb exhibition! I hope you and the rest of the team are really proud of what you’ve put together!! Our girls think it’s great!’ Ben, Cottingham Rangers Girls

‘I’m incredibly grateful to have been invited to be part of the Hull Lionesses Exhibition, which beautifully celebrated women’s football and honoured the incredible Carol Thomas.’ Helen, formerly of Hull City Girls