At the outbreak of World War One, life for many women was mainly tied to a life of domesticity, their places still largely in the home. Some, like the Suffragettes, were campaigning vocally for change, but the glass ceiling remained at ground level.

One woman who broke the mould was Anna Coleman Watts Ladd, an American sculptor who moved to France with her husband in 1917. There, she was introduced to Francis Derwent Wood, a sculptor who created a “Tin Noses Shop” where he helped severely injured WWI soldiers. Wood created face masks for disfigured WWI warriors, giving them a new chance at life. Inspired by his work, Ladd created her own “Studio for Portrait-Masks” where she created portrait-masks for these soldiers in need. Needless to say, her work changed many people’s lives.

Scroll down to learn about this woman’s inspiring work, and don’t forget to tell us what you think in the comments!

See more here: Rare Historical Photos | Library of Congress

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