"banner, Co-operative Women's Guild, Redhill" [NBS I/D 177]

Catalogue Number
NBS I/D 177

Object Name
banner

Title
REDHILL WOMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE GUILD 1900 LABOUR AND WAIT

Place
Redhill & Surrey & England & UK

People
women

Date
c.1930

Creator(s)
NBS National Museum of Labour HistoryNBS National Museum of Labour History

Description
The Women's Co-operative Guild was established in 1883, the founders overcoming considerable social problems in building the organisation; in the late 19th century, women, including working women, were expected to look after the house and family, rather than being politically involved. Despite this, by 1897 the Guild had 10,000 members, and at it's peak in 1939 it had around 89,000. The overall control of the WCG rested with the Annual Meeting. In 1900 the Meeting formally assumed the Status of Congress, and the Redhill WCG banner probably records that development.

The Women's Co-operative Guild campaigned on important issues for women, including the provision of birth control, nursery schools, and family allouances, along with wider issues such as peace, equality and justice.

The rainbow is an international symbol of co-operation, replacing the earlier motto "Of whole heart cometh hope". The banner incorporates the wheatsheaf, signifying the strength of working together, and the white rose, the signifying the Guild's Southern Section.

This banner was probably made in the mid-20th century, around 1930-1950, with the date '1900' being either a reference to the Status of Congress or the founding of the Redhill branch.

Materials: Single sided banner. Ground and lining of black twill woven cotton with oil painted design.

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