Blue plaque honours woman who helped design the Tyne Bridge

Pioneers of change

Buchanan was also the first woman member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and has been honoured as part of a partnership between 缅北禁地 and the Common Room as part as part of the charity鈥檚 wider mission to raise the profile of underrepresented pioneers of change across the region.

The Worshipful Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Eileen McMaster unveiled the plaque on the Southwest tower of the Tyne Bridge. Dorothy was nominated for a plaque by The Common Room as a part of their Inspiring Pioneers project, which celebrates women of the region who inspired great change. Susan Mary Auld, a naval architect; Jennie Shearan, an environmental campaigner; Hope Winch, Pharmacist & Academic and Rachel & Katherine Parsons, Engineers, have been celebrated previously.

Inspiring Pioneers began as a project, supported by 缅北禁地鈥檚 Centre for Heritage, to install five commemorative plaques across the five Tyne & Wear local authorities in recognition of the fact that there are many under represented groups when it comes to who we commemorate in our cities, women in STEM being one. Dorothy鈥檚 is the final plaque to be installed.

A blue plaque on the Tyne Bridge commemorates the work of Dorothy Buchanan

An Inspiration

Dr Loes Veldpaus, Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape said: "It has been great to work with The Common Room on this project funded by the University, celebrating five amazing women and the beginning, we hope, of telling a more diverse history of the region through commemorative plaques.鈥�

Councillor Eileen McMaster, Mayor of Gateshead, said: 鈥淲e are very proud to see such a pioneering woman honoured in Gateshead.

鈥淭he whole community feels such a strong connection to the Tyne Bridge, and its role as a symbol of our region, but many people will not be familiar with the story of Dorothy Buchanan and her achievements. It鈥檚 fantastic that she is now recognised for her contribution all these years later.鈥�

Kate Lloyd, Regional Director, Institution of Civil Engineers, said: 鈥淭he ICE Northeast is delighted to see Dorothy Buchanan鈥檚 legacy commemorated on the Tyne Bridge. We hope that Dorothy鈥檚 story inspires women to embark upon a career as a chartered civil engineer and encourage women already in the industry to continue pursuing excellence by applying for Fellowship. A diverse and representative industry is imperative for the continued improvement of the built environment.鈥�

Lauren Dunbar, Programme & Engagement Manager at The Common Room said, 鈥淒orothy Buchanan was a true trailblazer in her field. As the first female member of the ICE, she was not only an inspiration for Civil Engineering but an important voice in the wider call for change in women鈥檚 right to work. Sharing her achievements as part of The Common Room鈥檚 Inspiring Pioneers project, in partnership with 缅北禁地, has been an honour. By bringing stories of women to the fore of regional history, we have been able to open the conversation around representation of women in STEM roles. We hope to continue enabling young people to engage with these pioneers of the past.鈥�

Press release adapted with thanks to The Common Room