Barbara Jones: A custodian of maritime history
The career of Barbara Jones, as part of the wider SHE_SEES component of the Rewriting Women into Maritime History exhibition.
This page is approximately a 2 minute read
Gillian Burns: A guiding light
Navigation Officer, Northern Lighthouse Board
Location: Ardnamurchan, Scotland
Equity & Transparency
Page author
Carly Fields, Journalist
Carly Fields is an award-winning specialist maritime journalist and editor. For over 20 years, she has been reporting on wide issues in the shipping industry, from the risks of isolation among seafarers and piracy off Somalia to the sector’s route to decarbonisation and future shipping tech.
Introduction
This online exhibition recounts the career of Gillian Burns, as part of the wider SHE_SEES component of the Rewriting Women into Maritime History exhibition. SHE SEES celebrates women’s contributions to the maritime industry through capturing the stories of contemporary female professionals in the UK. Through captivating interviews and stunning photographs, we delve into their stories, bridging the maritime past, present, and the future.
A Guiding Light
Gillian's journey began with an unassuming introduction when she heard an advert on the radio for a Technician Engineering Scholarship Scheme for women. She saw this as an intriguing opportunity. The prospect of receiving training, sponsorship, and the ability to stay close to home ticked all the right boxes for her. But on joining the scheme, her tentative first steps into the engineering industry would soon be thwarted by a training program that was more theoretical than hands-on, which didn't suit her learning style.
Gillian's journey began with an unassuming introduction when she heard an advert on the radio for a Technician Engineering Scholarship Scheme for women. She saw this as an intriguing opportunity. The prospect of receiving training, sponsorship, and the ability to stay close to home ticked all the right boxes for her. But on joining the scheme, her tentative first steps into the engineering industry would soon be thwarted by a training program that was more theoretical than hands-on, which didn't suit her learning style.
Click on each image to view the exhibition.
Explore the full Rewriting Women into Maritime History initiative
More on the initiative
Related Content
Theme 4: Equity & Transparency – Forgotten Voices and Hidden Figures
Uncovering overlooked stories to build a more inclusive narrative that fosters trust and fairness across global maritime history.
Jessica Tyson: Sea-struck odyssey
The career of Jessica Tyson, as part of the wider SHE_SEES component of the Rewriting Women into Maritime History exhibition.
Addressing the female gender gap in maritime memorials
An article on the lack of female representation in memorial/statue landscape as part of the Rewriting Women into Maritime History initiative.