"Redhill Womens Co-operative Guild banner" [NMLH.1993.573]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.573

Object Name
Banner

Title
'Redhill Womens Co-operative Guild. 1900. Labour and Wait.'

Place
Redhill, Sussex

People
Women's Cooperative Guild

Date
1900 ?

Description
A black banner with images of a rainbow, white rose and wheatsheaf. The wheatsheaf has a label saying 'Labour and Wait'. Below the rainbow, in the centre of the banner are the words 'Redhill Women's Cooperative Guild' in red writing on a yellow ribbon.


This seems to be an early use of the rainbow as a symbol of international co-operation. The banner design also incorporates the wheatsheaf, a symbol of plenty, and the white rose, signifying the Guild's Southern Section.


The Women's Co-operative Guild was established in 1883. The founding members overcame considerable social problems in building the organisation. In the late 19th century working women were expected to do the housework and look after their families rather than attend political meetings. Despite this the guild had 10,000 members by 1897 and numbers reached 90,000 in 1939. It campaigned on important issues including the provision of birth control, nursery schools and family allowances. It also pressed for peace, justice and equality.


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