Two pioneering women from Dundee are being showcased on an international stage as part of an exhibition in Würzburg, Germany, exploring courage, leadership and social change across generations.
Courage Can Be Contagious – Notable Women in Würzburg and Its Sister Cities brings together stories of remarkable women from across European twinning cities, highlighting how their impact continues to resonate across borders and over time. The exhibition has been developed in Würzburg in collaboration with partner cities, including Dundee.
Dundee is represented through the stories of Emma Caird and Agnes Husband, who are part of the city’s Small Steps – Dundee Women’s Trail project. Their inclusion builds on four years of work between The McManus, Schools Library Service and Dundee Women's Trail to make women’s histories more visible and accessible and now places Dundee’s stories within a wider international context.
Emma Caird (1849–1927) was a philanthropist whose legacy helped shape modern Dundee. Born into a prominent jute family, she was widely travelled and connected to international cultural circles. In later life, she used her considerable wealth to support the city, helping to clear the debts of Dundee Royal Infirmary, fund new medical facilities and contribute to the completion of Caird Hall. She also supported war veterans and established a travelling scholarship, enabling students to study abroad and extending her impact beyond the city.
Agnes Husband (1851–1929) was a suffragist, social reformer and one of the first women elected to Dundee City Council. A committed advocate for working people, she championed improved housing, education and welfare, including free school meals and textbooks. She played an active role in the women’s suffrage movement and went on to become Dundee’s first female Justice of the Peace. Her legacy continues through her influence on social policy and her place within the city’s civic and cultural history.
The Dundee contribution was co-ordinated by Cheryl McDermid, Creative Learning Officer at The McManus and includes portrait interpretation provided by Art Curator Kirsty Matheson, alongside high-resolution images sourced by Registrar, Lili Bartholomew. As a result of the project, the David Foggie portraits of Emma and James Caird have now been formally accessioned into Dundee’s fine and applied art collection.
The exhibition focuses on the qualities that defined these women’s lives who are featured, including courage, responsibility and civic commitment. It opened with a civic reception hosted by Würzburg’s Lord Mayor.
Cheryl McDermid, Creative Learning Officer at The McManus said
“This is a wonderful opportunity to share Dundee’s stories on an international stage. The Small Steps project is about making women’s history visible and relevant and this collaboration shows how those stories connect across cities and generations.”
The original portrait of Agnes Husband is on permanent display within The McManus, in the Making of Modern Dundee gallery. The portrait of Emma Caird (Marryat) is on display in the Caird and Marryat Halls complex and can be viewed by audiences on arrival at events or by appointment.
The exhibition runs at Würzburg International until 9 July 2026, with an online version available until at least the end of the year. The exhibition can be viewed online at Würzburg International - Exhibition Courage
