Artists preparing to march in a Suffragette procession

The Artists Contingent preparing to march in a Suffragette procession in support of the Conciliation Bill organised by the Women's Social and Political Union, 18th June 1910.  The artists carry cardboard paint palettes representing their trade tied with purple, white and green streamers. This contingent, organised by Margaret Forbes, walked with members of the Chelsea Branch of the Women's Social and Political Union under a specially designed artist's banner. In the weeks leading up to the procession leaflets specifically aimed at art students were distributed at art colleges including the Slade, West London Art School and  Byam Shaws. Those inspired to participate were instructed to line up at 5.30pm on the Embankment opposite Whitehall Stairs between the Lost Property Office and Horseguards Avenue. Artists who were members of the Suffrage Atelier marched in a separate part of the procession. On 23rd July the Artists Contingent also marched in a similar but larger procession to Hyde Park organised by the Women's Social and Political Union. On this occasion the palettes were not carried and replaced by emblems. The image was taken by the professional photographer Christina Broom who photographed many high profile suffrage processions and rallies that took place in central London between 1908 and 1911.