Information on Mary Taylor

Mary Taylor, born on February 26, 1817, in Yorkshire, England, was a pioneering feminist and businesswoman whose life and work had a significant impact in New Zealand and beyond. Born into a family engaged in wool business and banking, Taylor was not from a particularly affluent background but received a good education, meeting Charlotte Brontë at Roe Head school and forming a lifelong intellectual and possibly romantic connection with her.

In 1845, after spending several years in Belgium and Germany, Taylor emigrated to New Zealand, following her younger brother Waring. She lived initially in Wellington, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability in her new surroundings. Her life in New Zealand was marked by a series of entrepreneurial ventures and a strong commitment to women's independence and financial self-reliance. She built and let out a house on Cuba Street, taught piano, and even attempted to publish articles and write novels, though her literary efforts initially met with little success.

Taylor's life took a significant turn in 1849 with the arrival of her cousin, Ellen Taylor. Together, they opened a drapery and clothing shop in Wellington, leveraging Mary's business acumen and the skills she had observed in her brother's business. This venture was not only financially successful but also a reflection of Mary's belief in women's work and independence. The shop quickly became one of the principal stores in Wellington, and Taylor was even credited with introducing the sewing machine to the city.

Despite her success in New Zealand, Taylor never intended to settle there permanently. She viewed her time in Wellington as a means to financial independence, a necessity given the constraints on women's work in her native England. After selling her shop and investing in land, she returned to Yorkshire in 1860, where she continued to advocate for women's rights, particularly through her writings.

Back in Yorkshire, Taylor's feminist ideas found a more significant platform. She published numerous articles in Victoria Magazine between 1865 and 1870, which were later compiled into a book, "The First Duty of Women". These writings emphasized the necessity of financial independence for women and criticized the societal expectation of women sacrificing themselves for others. Taylor's advocacy for women's rights was not just theoretical; she lived her beliefs, as evidenced by her successful business ventures and her commitment to women's education and employment.

Mary Taylor's life was characterized by an unwavering commitment to women's rights and independence. Her relationship with Charlotte Brontë, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her feminist writings made her a notable figure in the 19th-century feminist movement. She passed away on March 1, 1893, leaving behind a legacy of advocating for women's right to work and lead independent lives, a stance that was considered quite radical at the time.

Further information can be found at:

• paperspast.natlib.govt.nz