Welcome to the website of
the Bergman Österberg Union
and The Österberg Collection
This website has been created
to celebrate the life and work
of our founder:
Martina Bergman Österberg (1849-1915)
The Österberg Collection, owned and managed by the Bergman Österberg Union, is currently housed at North Kent College, Oakfield Lane, Dartford, Kent DA1 2JT on the site of what was formerly Martina Bergman Österberg’s Physical Training College (1895-1986). Martina Bergman Österberg established Britain’s first physical education teacher training college for women in Hampstead in 1885, moving to Dartford in 1895 as part of her quest for female emancipation through education.
The Österberg Collection is now probably the most significant archive in the world relating to the history and development of women’s Physical Education. It charts almost every aspect of the pioneering College’s history and constitutes an important resource for the worldwide academic community researching themes such as Physical Education; Gender Studies; Women’s Studies; Health and Medicine; Education; and Sports Studies.
The game of netball was first developed at the College in Dartford, and it was at Dartford that the ‘gymslip’ was first prototyped and then developed as a practical and emancipatory item of female sportswear.
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For password access to the Members’ area please e-mail bergmanosterbergunion@gmail.com
The Members’ area is only available to registered members of the Bergman Österberg Union.