THE 'saviour' of the sushi industry has been recognised with a blue plaque in her hometown of Leigh.
Born in Leigh in 1901, Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker was a botanist and lecturer at the University of Manchester.
Through Drew-Baker's research, she helped to save the Japanese farming of Nori seaweed, which allowed the breakthrough of commercial sushi cultivation.
Becoming somewhat of a Japanese legend, the scientist is now known as the ‘Mother of the Sea’ and her work is celebrated in the country each year on April 14.
With her contribution having a global impact, Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker has now been immortalised on the road where she was born.
On Windemere road, at the site of Sacred Heart RC and Leigh Central Primary Schools, a blue plaque has been installed by Wigan Council so that residents can forever remember her legacy.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: “Leigh resident Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker is commemorated each year in Japan for the amazing contributions her work made to the lives of so many.
“We’re proud that we’re able to recognise her local roots through this blue plaque as part of our cultural manifesto, The Fire Within.”
Previously, Drew-Baker’s contribution had been recognised by students at Project Inc, who found her story so compelling they created a 3D mixed media piece which was on display at the exhibition space in the Archives: Wigan and Leigh.
Her work has also been featured in civic events in Leigh, as the subject of a moving installation created by Leigh artist Vicky Tyrell in the 2019 Leigh Carnival.
Lee McStein, director for Monument Men who nominated the scientist for her award, added: “I think it’s amazing the work that we’ve put in for the last six years to honour Kathleen’s legacy now has a physical presence in the town.
“Kathleen is one of a number of people born in Leigh or who have lived in Leigh who have made a worldwide impact.
“Placing this plaque outside a school will hopefully provide inspiration to many young people who may aspire to follow in her footsteps.”
Blue plaque nominations can now be submitted for 2023, with ceremonies taking place each year linked to the council’s cultural manifesto, The Fire Within.
For more information about the Blue Plaque scheme, visit this website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here