Olive Gibbs: A Remarkable Woman - film screening and discussion

Olive Gibbs is a major figure in the political life of Oxford. A national leader of CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), local Councillor and Mayor of Oxford, she was also a Governor of Oxford Polytechnic and its first Honorary Graduand. Her legacy lives on, not least in the Gibbs Building, which looks onto Gipsy Lane.

She stood for many things that still matter in politics and education. At this event, a wonderful film of her life will be shown, featuring interviews with her contemporaries, home movies, photographs from her family’s collection and audio recordings of her inimitable voice. Her life and politics still matter. She was a determined advocate of peace and countering wars and war-like aggression from major powers. She also stood out in her battle against rigid class divides and the destruction of local neighbourhoods and buildings. She stood up for the environment and also openly talked of mental suffering. She was a firm advocate of education.

Christopher Baines and Helen Sheppard, filmmakers of Olive Gibbs: A Remarkable Woman, will show the film and point to significant aspects of her life. Afterwards, a panel will discuss the meaning and legacy of Olive Gibbs’ life. The audience will be invited to pose questions to a panel composed of:

Christopher Baines, filmmaker, Olive Gibbs: A Remarkable Woman

Helen Sheppard, filmmaker, Olive Gibbs: A Remarkable Woman

Bob Price, former Head of HR at Oxford Brookes and political colleague of Olive Gibbs

Glen O’Hara, Historian of the post-war world and the Labour Party