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KAE at The Amelia
Date Published: 04/03/2022
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Who was Amelia Scott?
The building is named after Amelia Scott, a social reformer and campaigner for women's suffrage. She lived and worked in Tunbridge Wells. Much of Amelia's social activism focused on the needs of young, working class women and mothers. She was an official of Tunbridge Wells' non-militant women's suffrage society.
As a Poor Law Guardian Amelia inspected the workhouse at Pembury. She raised awareness to the needs of new mothers, as well as those of workhouse inmates.
During the First World War, Amelia and her sister Louisa, became members of the committee set up to welcome and assist Belgian refugees. The King of Belgium awarded Amelia the Order of the Golden Palm for her work.
In 1919, Amelia Scott and Susan Power became the first women elected to the borough council of Tunbridge Wells. Amelia campaigned for the recruitment of women police and for better housing. She also appealed for the provision of services such as a museum and library.
Amelia retired in 1930 but continued her work in the community. She oversaw a local soup kitchen opened to help the unemployed population. She remained the Chair of the hospital committee at Pembury. Amelia wrote 'Passing of the Great Dread'. This focused on the transformation of the old workhouse into a modern hospital.
What is the Amelia?
The Amelia is an integrated service facility housing a range of arts heritage, culture and well-being services. Once open, the new Amelia wil bring together Kent Adult Education, the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, Kent Library Services, the Council's Gateway Services and tourist information.
KAE at the Amelia
At Kent Adult Education, we are excited to deliver a range of courses at the new state of the art Amelia Scott building when it opens. From courses in Silversmithing & Jewellery to Creative Writing and Sculpture, our team are looking forward to showing you the brand-new equipment and facilities at the Amelia, they can't wait to get started.
"Hi, my name is Amber. I am a Botanical Art tutor at Kent Adult Education. I'm looking forward to teaching some of my Botanical courses in the new Amelia centre. Covering both watercolour and colour pencil we will be painting and drawing fabulous flowers, fruit and veg and a variety of nature-based subjects from life."
"I'm looking forward to seeing all our students and tutors filling up the Amelia as well as offering more and more variety of courses to the community." Mariela - Customer Relations Assistant.
Being based at the Amelia will enable us to deliver courses from brand new, state of the art, centrally located premises in Royal Tunbridge Wells. We will be able to deliver courses such as Jewellery Making and Silversmithing with new equipment and facilities. Keep checking this page for the latest updates.
The Amelia Project and it's goals
- To champion unique collections and enhanced programming to become recognised as a centre for high quality cultural experiences
- To actively pursue best and innovative practice in provision of specialist combined services
- To create exceptional visitor experiences based on a commitment to outstanding customer service
- To become a sustainable cultural entity