Interview | Hannah Whyte, Heath Robinson Museum
from Radio Harrow Hosted by Radio Harrow
The Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the work of Mary V. Wheelhouse, a multifaceted artist who was a prominent illustrator, toymaker, and suffragette. Running until March 24, 2026, the display highlights her early twentieth century career, including her first paid illustration for Little Folks Magazine and her intricate drawings for George Eliot’s Silas Marner. Wheelhouse often collaborated with fellow women writers and artists, mirroring the work of her contemporary, Heath Robinson. In addition to her success in book illustration, Wheelhouse cofounded Pomona Toys with fellow activist Louise Jacobs. Together they manufactured high quality wooden dolls and toy theaters sold at prestigious retailers like Harrods. A significant portion of the exhibition focuses on her suffrage activism within the Artists’ Suffrage League, where she used satirical artwork to challenge gender inequality. One notable postcard on display depicts a hen leaving a cage to illustrate the struggle for the vote. The exhibition further connects this history to the local area by featuring a vintage Pinner suffrage banner. Located at Pinner Memorial Park, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday with a six pound admission fee for adults.
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