Newbridge exhibition pays tribute to local scientist
Pioneering Irish scientist Dame Kathleen Lonsdale
To mark 2024, is honouring its most famous resident, the pioneering Irish scientist Dame (1903 -1971) with an exhibition celebrating her life and significant contribution to the science community.
The exhibition, running for its second year, will take place at the birthplace of the ground-breaking crystallographer, Charlotte House in town centre. The exhibition is open to the public from 19-23 August from 12-3pm daily.
Newbridge Business Centre welcomes visitors to learn more about the remarkable scientist and tour her former home, a historic local landmark, now transformed into a state-of-the-art business centre and co-working hub.
Dame Kathleen Lonsdale was a trailblazing scientist who left an indelible mark on the scientific and social community. Born in 1903 in Charlotte House, Kathleen was the youngest among ten children of postmaster Henry Yardley. She made considerable contributions as a crystallographer and applied her expertise to medical solutions. In 1945 she became the first woman elected to the Royal Society of London.
Kathleen's impact extended far beyond the scientific community. During World War II, she refused to register for Civil Defence duties and consequently was committed to Holloway prison for one month in February 1943. Her experiences there inspired her to become an advocate of prison reform. She also actively campaigned to put an end to armed conflict.
Her work in crystallography paved the way for countless scientific discoveries.
Kathleen’s pioneering spirit lives on in Charlotte House, which now operates as a state-of-the-art business centre. The renovation by Martin and Aine Cooper has brought the heritage building into the modern era as a contemporary co-working space, designed to address two modern-day problems: workplace isolation and the evolving cyber threat landscape.
Today, Newbridge Business Centre (NBC) is a cutting-edge co working digital hub and one of Ireland’s most cyber-secure work facilities. Calling it ‘the third workspace solution’ NBC was designed for professionals and companies that wish to bridge the gap between working from home and the office. The centre offers private offices, meeting rooms and hot desk facilities plus a media room and roof terrace.
“We are proud of Kathleen Lonsdale’s heritage and her connection with Newbridge Business Centre,” Martin said.
“We wanted to create a state-of-the-art facility for companies and professional people to work in a comfortable environment with top-tier cybersecurity, IT infrastructure and amenities yet stay true to the building’s heritage."
He added: “We worked closely with the conservation architect, Gabriel McGinley and the Architectural Conservation Office at Kildare (Co) Council, to maintain the integrity of the building and as many original features as possible. Paying homage to Kathleen, we feature the crystal she discovered in every room and in our company logo. During Heritage Week, we hope people will come to learn more about her life and the history of the building.”
The NBC team welcome visitors to Charlotte House to learn more through a photographic exhibition, video and self-guided tour from Monday 19 to Friday 23 August between 12 and 3pm. For more information, visit: www.newbridgebusinesscentre.ie.
