Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.658
Object Name
Banner
Title
WSPU Banner, Ilford
Place
Ilford & Essex
People
Ethel Haslam
Date
between 1903 - 1909
Description
Green, purple and white banner with text which reads 'ILFORD W.S.P.U. VOTES FOR WOMEN. BELIEVE AND YOU WILL CONQUER'
The Women's Social and Political Union was established by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Sylvia and Christabel on 10th October 1903 at the family's home in Nelson Street, Manchester. Emmeline had joined the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, established in 1887, to press for women's right to vote but felt that a more militant organization was necessary. The Women's Social and Political Union only accepted women and was not afraid to break the law in support of its aims; many members, often referred to as sufragettes, were sent to prison and several went on hunger strikes.
The banner has been produced in the union's colours, although these are now rather faded: purple for dignity, green for hope and white for purity.
Materials: painted and embroidered cotton fabric with wool fringe.
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