Suffragette Garden Party (c.1910)Original Source: LSE Library
This may look like an ordinary English tea party. Quaint and charming.
But, zooming in for a closer look, we can unlock details which make this an historic and important image. This is a garden party to raise funds for the Suffragette movement, fighting for women's voting rights and other equal opportunities from 1903 onwards.
Many well-known photos of the movement exist, but this photo, taken at Dorset Hall in 1910, has a rare, candid atmosphere. It is not posed, and shows this history-altering group in their natural state, brimming with life and purpose.
The presence of the old and the very young, and also some men, shows the Suffragettes' unifying power, and their commitment to making a better world in the future.
Here, you can see the china tea cups which were such an important part of the group's image and fundraising. Specially commissioned designs, like the Angel of Freedom badge just visible here, adorned these cups which were sold to raise money and awareness.
Women's Social and Political Union china tea cup and saucer (1909) by H M Williamson & Sons and Women's Social and Political UnionMuseum of London
This version of the Angel of Freedom design was chosen by founding Suffragette member, Sylvia Pankhurst, and appeared on much of their teacups throughout the movement.
It became a vital symbol for the movement.
Suffragette Garden Party (c.1910)Original Source: LSE Library
After years of campaigning, the Suffragettes succeeded in winning voting rights for some women in 1918, and by 1928 all women over the age of 21 were allowed to vote. Many details of the movement's history are hidden in this seemingly simple photo.
