• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE3694

Guthrie, Bessie Jean Thompson

  • Maiden name Mitchell, Bessie
(1905 – 1977)
  • Born 2 July 1905, Glebe, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • Died 17 December 1977, Sydney, New South Wales
  • Occupation Designer, Feminist, Publisher

Summary

In 1939, Bessie Guthrie established Viking Press, publishing anti-war material and poetry, mainly by women. She completed the artwork and block designs herself. During wartime, she worked as a publicity officer for the YWCA, overseeing press and radio news reports. Guthrie became a champion for young women in need. She joined the Women’s Liberation movement from 1970, and became a founder of Elsie Women’s Refuge. She was a committed feminist for the whole of her life.

Archival resources

  • State Library of New South Wales
    • Elsie Women's Refuge records, ca. 1974-2014

Published resources

Related entries


  • Founded
    • Elsie Women's Refuge (1974 - )
  • Employed by
    • The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - )
  • Friend
    • Deamer, Mary Elizabeth Kathleen Dulcie (1890 - 1972)