A new play paying tribute to the groundbreaking female engineer, Dorothée Pullinger, is set to take place at The Usual Place in Dumfries this Saturday. The play, written and directed by Dave Dewar, delves into the remarkable life story of Pullinger. The narrative follows her journey managing 7,000 munition workers in Cumbria during World War I, her creation of The Galloway Car, and her establishment of a laundry business. The performance, supported by Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, features a professional cast alongside local community members, with music accompaniment on cello and accordion.
Dorothée Pullinger’s legacy is rooted in her work at the Arrol-Johnston factory in Dumfries and her subsequent achievements in the male-dominated field of engineering. Despite facing prejudice and challenges, Pullinger persevered in her pursuit of becoming an automobile engineer. She co-founded the Women’s Engineering Society and played a pivotal role in the design and production of the Galloway motor car, tailored for women drivers. Her innovative contributions extended to her role as a sales representative and a successful race car driver.
Apart from her professional endeavours, Pullinger led a multifaceted life, becoming a mother of two and later transitioning to entrepreneurship in the laundromat industry. Beyond her diverse achievements, she actively engaged in societal issues, advocating for gender equality and women’s representation in engineering. Her impact resonated through her appointments to prominent industrial panels and her induction into the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame in 2012.
The play serves as a poignant homage to Pullinger’s resilience, creativity, and pioneering spirit. It invites audiences to reflect on her enduring legacy and the significant strides she made in advancing women’s role in engineering. The performance, scheduled for Saturday at 7.15pm at The Usual Place, promises to captivate viewers with Pullinger’s inspiring story. Tickets for the show can be obtained online or from the Midsteeple Box Office in Dumfries, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the life and achievements of this trailblazing figure.