Kitty Wilkinson was a helper of the poor, known to her community as 'the saint of the slums'. 'Welcome to the Wash house' was written by Julie McNamara as a tribute to Kitty and as part of a dedication to the women featured in the chapel windows. This was a comic monologue performed by Pat Joliat. The piece was set in Kitty's cellar on yet another day with her precious tub and mangle.

A well-known and much loved citizen of Liverpool, Kitty was the 19th century pioneer of public laundry washrooms. In 1832 Liverpool experienced a cholera epidemic. As the only owner of a copper boiler on her street, she offered its use to neighbours. Kitty recognised that if people had no access to adequate washing facilities and most importantly to hot water, their chances of surviving were slim. Not only did this save lives but it was the beginning of public washrooms throughout the UK.

"Kitty Wikinson has gripped my imagination and touched my heart throughout the writing of this piece. I am so moved by her generosity and dedication. She worked with a fury on behalf of people who were utterley bereft of rescources to help themselves. What touches me most of all is her very personal struggle and determined support of her Mother who was evidently mad with grief. She kept her out of the grips of the local asylum until the end of her days. As a Mental Health System Survivor, that achievement has very personal resonance. I am acutely aware of the devotion it takes to walk alongside someone in such terrific anguish."

Julie McNamara

Walking Through Windows 2010 - 2011

The centrepiece of the centenary celebrations of the building of the Lady Chapel at Liverpool Cathedral was initiated by Ruth Gould and brought together by Thea Soltau with a great team of amazing writers, actors, dancers, artists, designers and technicians adding to the vision of the celebration.