Mary Countess of Meath- An Exhibition at Godalming Museum

Following extensive research and creative imagining of our findings with the people we support, we are pleased to invite our local community to a free exhibition at Godalming Museum which explores and celebrates the extraordinary life of Meath founder and philanthropist Mary, Countess of Meath. Mary’s legacy has an enduring positive impact upon the lives of the people we support at The Meath Epilepsy Charity and our local community.

This exhibition also highlights the extensive global reach of her charitable work, although varied, her life’s work was dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities and positive health and social outcomes to the lives of the most vulnerable in society. Lee Bennett, Meath CEO explains “Over 130 years later, her mission continues to serve us well at The Meath; to this very day we pride ourselves on recognising ability and to enable the people we support to live as independently as possible. We are proud that many of the items to be seen on display at the exhibition have been created by the people we support in Skills Centre group sessions which include woodwork, sewing and art sessions. These items help to bring to life the varied charitable work of Mary Countess of Meath, but at the same time, also enable local people to appreciate the creative talents of the people we support and help to raise awareness of our work in the present day.”

To find out more follow this link Mary, Countess of Meath A Life Dedicated to Others

We are also delighted that Cllr Paul Rivers, Godalming Town Mayor and Meath supporter will officially open the exhibition and attend a private view event. The Private View is a wonderful opportunity for members of the Meath Community, local heritage partners, and representatives from local schools to learn more about and celebrate the life and work of Mary, Countess of Meath.

As part of this research project, we have donated our original documents such as ledgers and diaries which date back to 1892 to the Surrey History Centre. Mike Page (County Archivist) comments
“The records, now that they have been catalogued, have been numbered and packaged in archive quality folders and boxes and are safely stored in our secure and environmentally controlled strongroom. The Meath catalogue will be published on our online comprehensive catalogue and the records are available to be consulted in our supervised searchroom. We are very pleased to hold this important collection which complements other records we hold of the Countess of Meath’s philanthropic initiatives in Surrey.”

All at The Meath are pleased to hold this exhibition at Godalming Museum and hope that in addition to raising awareness of The Meath’s inspirational founder and present-day work, it also helps to raise awareness of Epilepsy as a whole.