Born

2 July 1905
Glebe, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Died

17 December 1977
Sydney, New South Wales

Occupation

Designer, Feminist and Publisher

Alternative Names

• Mitchell, Bessie (maiden name)

Summary

In 1939, Bessie Guthrie established Viking Press, publishing anti-war material and poetry, mainly by women. She completed the artwork and block designs herself. During wartime, she worked as a publicity officer for the YWCA, overseeing press and radio news reports. Guthrie became a champion for young women in need. She joined the Women's Liberation movement from 1970, and became a founder of Elsie Women's Refuge. She was a committed feminist for the whole of her life.