"Manchester Women's Social & Political Union Banner, 1908" [NMLH.2018.1]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.2018.1

Object Name
Banner

Title
First in the Fight, Founded by Mrs Pankhurst 1903

Place
Manchester

People
Emmeline Pankhurst

Events
June 1908 Suffrage Rally

Date
1908

Creator(s)


Description
Purple ground with gold text. Features the text "FIRST IN THE FIGHT FOUNDED BY MRS PANKHURST" to the centre and "MANCHESTER WOMEN'S SOCIAL & POLITICAL UNION" to the top edge and left and right side edges,


This banner commemorates the founding of the Women's Social and Political Union in Manchester in 1903 and was made by the Manchester-based Thomas Brown & Sons. The banner appeared on the platform alongside Emmeline Pankhurst on several occasions, including at the Heaton Park rally in Manchester (19 July 1908).


PHM Narrative:


This banner, commissioned by the Manchester WSPU, was made by Thomas Brown & Co. in 1908. It was taken to London in June 1908 for a mass suffrage rally, organised by the WSPU.


The banner's message, First in the Fight, shows how important Manchester was to the struggle for the vote. The colours on the banner, green, white and purple, were the official colours of the WSPU. They represent hope, purity and dignity.


Purchased with assistance from the Arts Council/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund Collecting Cultures scheme and a crowdfunding campaign.