Catalogue Number
NMLH.2003.18
Object Name
Tea Set
Title
WSPU
Place
UK
People
Pankhurst, Sylvia; Yates, Rose Lamartine
Events
arrested, Rose Lamartine, Yates
Creator(s) Description
This tea set was designed by Sylvia Pankhurst on behalf of the WSPU around 1909, and were made by H.M. Williamson & Sons of Bridge Pottery, Longton, Staffordshire. They were sold by the WSPU to raise funds, and used by supporters at tea parties and events; this tea set was owned by Rose Lamartine Yates of Dorset Hall in Merton, chairwoman of the Wimbledon/Merton branch of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and used at local meetings and events.
The collection contains items with the WSPU logo as well as the Holloway Prison portcullis desgin, both designed by Sylvia Pankhurst.
PHM Narrative
Womenâs Social and Political Union (WSPU) ceramics, around 1909
The WSPU encouraged their members to hold informal meetings in their parlours and sitting rooms to raise funds for the organisation. High profile suffragettes, such as Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, would host these special meetings at their homes.
These ceramics were designed by militant suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst, and feature the WSPU colours of purple, white and green. The ceramics feature both the âangel of freedomâ and the portcullis symbol of the House of Commons, which can also be seen on the WSPUâs Holloway Prison brooch also on display in this gallery. The ceramics belonged to
Rose Lamartine Yates, a high profile suffragette and prominent member of the Wimbledon branch of the WSPU. Yates was a dedicated campaigner for womenâs suffrage, and was arrested and imprisoned in the fight for womenâs right to vote. Yates would have used these ceramics when she hosted extensive garden parties at her home, Dorset Hall, in Merton Park, south west London.
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