Meet the Fabulous Northern Women: A Tea Towel Tribute to Northern Grit and Greatness

At For the Love of the North, we believe everyday objects can tell extraordinary stories—and our Fabulous Northern Women Tea Towel is a perfect example. At first glance, it’s a beautiful kitchen accessory. But take a closer look and you’ll find a celebration of courage, creativity, and Northern spirit printed on every inch.

Designed by North East illustrator Josie Brookes, and inspired by Kate Fox’s brilliant book Where There’s Muck, There’s Bras, this tea towel pays homage to some of the most iconic and inspiring women from across the North.

So pop the kettle on—and come meet them.

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Inspiring Women of the North Who Changed History

This tea towel features a hand-drawn lineup of trailblazing women whose contributions span art, science, politics, sport, and storytelling.

✨ Victoria Wood

Comedian, actor, and national treasure. Her razor-sharp wit gave voice to the everyday experiences of Northern women, finding poetry—and humour—in the ordinary.

✨ Lilian Bader

One of the first Black women to serve in the British Armed Forces. Her strength and quiet defiance paved the way for future generations.

✨ Hilda of Whitby

A 7th-century Abbess, philosopher, and early church leader. Revered by kings and poets alike, her wisdom left a spiritual legacy that endures.

✨ Barbara Hepworth

Modernist sculptor whose iconic work shaped British art and made waves around the world. Her bold forms still echo across the Northern landscape.

✨ Emmeline Pankhurst

The unstoppable suffragette leader who gave women across Britain the power to vote. A true force of change with Northern roots.

✨ Helen Sharman

The first British astronaut—and a Sheffield-born chemist. She didn’t just reach for the stars—she made history among them.

✨ Nicola Adams

Leeds-born and fiercely proud, she made Olympic history as the first female boxing gold medallist. Power, pride, and a knockout smile.

✨ Hilda Ogden

Soap icon and symbol of Northern working-class life. A fictional character, yes—but one who captured the grit, humour and warmth of everyday women.

✨ The Brontë Sisters

Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—quiet lives on the moors, yet a literary legacy that changed the world. Their stories are still cherished today.

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A Northern Patchwork of Pride

Josie Brookes’ distinctive illustration style brings each woman to life—uniting them in one joyful patchwork of Northern pride. Whether you hang it on your wall as a piece of art or keep it close by in your kitchen, this tea towel is a daily reminder of the women who shaped our culture, and the communities who continue their legacy.

Printed right here in the UK on 100% certified organic cotton, it's kind to the planet and full of heart.

It’s more than just a way to dry the dishes—it’s a tribute, a talking point, and a little piece of history to cherish.

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A Perfect Gift with Heart and Heritage

Whether you're treating yourself or gifting someone who loves the North, this tea towel is a thoughtful piece filled with meaning. From birthdays to Mother’s Day, teacher gifts to Northern keepsakes—this is the kind of item that makes people smile.

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✨ Shop the Fabulous Northern Women Tea Towel

Click here to shop now and celebrate the stories that made the North what it is today.

Because the North isn’t just a place—it’s people. And these women are some of the finest.