The first meeting to develop the organisation, at this time called the Women's Electrical Association, was held on 12 November 1924 at 1 Upper Brook Street, home of Lady Katharine Parsons.
[6] Attendees were leading figures in the world of engineering and women’s organisations, including Sir Charles Parsons, Lord Headley, Sir Alfred Yarrow, Mr. F. S. Button, Mr J Beauchamp (Director of EDA), Mr B. Llewelyn Atkinson (Cable Makers Association), Margaret Partridge (WES member, electrical engineer and company director), Miss T J Dillon and Miss Hilda Shaw from the world of domestic science, Miss B J Lanfear of the Incorporated Municipal Electrical Association, with representatives from the Girl Guides, the Women’s Co-operative Guild, the Garden Cities and Town Planning Association, the Headmistresses’ Association; the National Union of Women Teachers, the National Council of Women and the National Women Citizens’ Association.
[3] Beatrice Irwin "gave a delightful picture of the American Labour-saving home" as part of the discussion.
It is by this form of thrift that electricity in going to help women.”[3]What was termed "a lively discussion" followed Matthew's speech and the meeting ended with a resolution, proposed by Margaret Partridge and agreed unanimously “…to form a Women’s Electrical Association” and wishing “to put on record its thanks to Mrs Matthews”.
[2] In 1932, the Association made a small scale-model of an electrical working-class kitchen at an exhibition at Central Hall, Westminster, sponsored by the voluntary Housing Societies of London.
[10] The handbook was aimed at its female lecturers and demonstrators whose jobs were to guide Britain’s housewives on the best and most efficient ways to electrically equipping their homes.
[12] The EAW held annual conferences and Summer Schools of Electrical Housecraft, and had a network of member branches across Britain, and abroad.
[16] The EAW showcased the great possibilities of domestic electricity at large public events, including the international Empire Exhibition in Glasgow held between May and December 1938.
[17] In the 1950s and 60s, they produced series of tea towels, pinnies and dusters to inform women about electrical safety.
[29] Industrialist and businesswoman Ella Hudson Gasking was President of the Isle of Wight branch of the Electrical Association of Women.
Beatrice Shilling was an early member, joining whilst an apprentice for Margaret Partridge, installing wiring and generators.
When Lady Nancy Astor MP formally opened the new offices on 14 November 1927, she was presented with a bouquet which was lit up by electricity.
[19] In 1933, the EAW moved to share their new headquarters at 20 Regent Street in London with the Women's Engineering Society and proudly described the then high tech electrical facilities available to members.