Harriet Delph audio story
Uncover the history of a pioneering blind educationalist who served her community, here in Hackney.
In February 2025 Abney Park Trust created an audio story about the life of Harriet Delph, one of the notable Women of Abney buried in the cemetery.
Her story is one of a remarkable life. A pioneering blind educationalist who served her community, here in Hackney.
Born blind to a poor family in 1862 she was orphaned aged eight. From a school for the blind in Sussex, Harriet won a scholarship to the Royal Normal College for the Blind in Upper Norwood, where she studied in her twenties in the 1880s.
She qualified as a teacher and taught in Hackney from 1892, at the London County Council’s Morning Lane School for the Blind, becoming its head until she retired in 1927.
At a launch event in February 2025 the Mayor of Hackney joined the production team to mark the occasion.
That team was:
Sue Doe, a local historian specialising in women’s history who researched and wrote the script
Joanne Wacha (actor), who played the role of Harriet
Angelika Michitsch, who works with the locally based Tower Theatre and who directed, and played the role of Frances
Panos Chountoulidis (sound designer)
Graeae Theatre Company (casting)
Steph Gill, Abney Park Trust (producer)
The wonderful collaboration brings Harriet’s story to life and captures something of the challenges people with disabilities faced in the late 19th and early 20th Century through a powerful personal story.
Harriet is buried in Abney Park with her close friend Frances A. Garlick with a sculpted tactile grave marking their resting place.
In 2022 Harriet’s name was chosen for the new community rooms built as part of the Abney Park restoration project. This is a permanent tribute to her life and contribution to Hackney.
The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Taking on the voice of Harriet Delph or as I fondly got to know her as Harry was a pleasure and I was glad that I was entrusted to be her. If I was a pupil at Harriet’s school, I think she would be my favourite teacher. Being taught by a teacher with similar disabilities would definitely open my mind to the possibilities I could achieve in the world. I felt as though I was allowed into the sacred friendship of Harry and Frankie. It was important for the Trust to have an actor that has sight loss and I am also glad that this was recognised and I was a part of it. Having a blind actor kept an authenticity for the project.”
Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley said:
Abney Park is special because it connects us to some of the incredible people who shaped Hackney’s history in a natural space that offers respite and connection with nature. Notable women, like Harriet Delph and her story of resilience and dedication. Born blind, orphaned at the age of eight, Harriet went on to become a headteacher in a school for children with visual impairment. Harriet is buried in Abney with her lifelong friend Frances Garlick, who commissioned the sculptural monument for their grave. When I visit it, I reflect on Harriet's example and the ongoing importance of removing barriers in society, towards disability, gender, and circumstance.
Sue Doe, local historian said:
Harriet and Frances (Harry and Frankie) were quiet trailblazers. We know of their professional lives which we have pieced together from the records, but we can only speculate on their whole lives. They are shining examples of the growing autonomy of women in the late Victorian era.
Director Angelika Michitsch said:
Not only the exploration of Harriet and Frances’ story, but also working with Joanna was a remarkable eye-opener [sic] in terms of how sheer resilience can overcome enormous challenges. And I am certain that had Harriet and Joanna met, their shared wit and passionate determination would have led to friendship. Hopefully this project can help further understanding and give reassurance to many.