international womens day Archives

As we approach Spring and International Women’s Day, it seems the perfect time to take a moment to remember the huge sacrifices made by thousands of pioneering women in the 19th and early 20th century, in the bid to gain votes for women. Jeopardising their lives, safety and often their place in society this incredible group secured the right to vote for future generations.

Although it was as early as 1832 that the first petition of Women’s Suffrage was presented to Parliament, it was the years that followed which saw the movement gain momentum.

As one of the most recognisable names associated with the vote for women campaign Emmeline Pankhurst was involved with Women’s Suffrage from 1880 and was one of the original founding members of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), the motto of which was ‘Deeds Not Words. Led by an all-female staff, in a combination of paid and volunteer roles, 1906 saw the WSPU headquarters open in central London. This quickly became the base for planning the more confrontational stage of the campaign and the use of more radical tactics, and planned protests started to appear, alongside a more creatively-minded publicity campaign. A weekly newspaper was launched and by 1909 it had a circulation of an impressive 22,000. Various fundraising events and high profile demonstrations were planned throughout the ninety regional offices.

Following this increase in headline-catching protests more than thirteen hundred women were incarcerated, a large percentage in Holloway Prison, which became all female prison in 1903. The following poem was penned by Kathleen Emerson who was jailed for taking part in the mass window breaking in London, 1912.

The Women in Prison by Kathleen Emerson (1912)

Oh, Holloway, grim Holloway
With grey, forbidding towers!
Stern are they walls, but sterner still
Is woman’s free, unconquered will.
And though to-day and yesterday
Brought long and lonely hours,
Those hours spent in captivity
Are stepping-stones to liberty.

Although Millicent Fawcett, Christabel and Emmeline Pankhurst are amongst the most recognisable names in suffrage history it is a myth that the groups were made up of entirely middle-class white women. In fact, the cause attracted women of many classes and nationalities. It was reported by inmates at the time that depending on their class the women were treated very differently.

Having had a privileged upbringing, Queen’s Victoria’s goddaughter Sophia Duleep Singh, an important supporter of Indian heritage in Britain, dedicated much of her time to campaigns and worthy causes and became one of the more militant campaigners. We continue to pay tribute and recognise the selfless acts of the countless courageous women who fought against the odds for their future, the future of their families and of generations of women to come.

Selected significant dates:

1832
First petition on women’s suffrage presented to Parliament.
1889
The Women’s Franchise League is formed and aims to win the vote for married women as well as single and widowed women.
1897
Formation of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), led by Millicent Fawcett (1847-1929).
1903
The Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) is founded in Manchester by Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928).
1908
Hunger striking adopted as a WSPU strategy leading to forcible feeding in 1909.
1909
Muriel Matters hires an airship painted ‘Votes For Women’ to fly over The House of Commons dropping propaganda leaflets.
1913
‘The Cat and Mouse Act’, is introduced, targeting suffragettes on hunger-strike permitting them to be released into the community to then be rearrested once they had regained their health.
1914
Britain declares war on Germany on 4 August. 1914-18 saw an estimated two million women replace men in traditionally male jobs.
1918
The Representation of the People Act is passed on 6 February giving women the vote provided they are aged over 30 and either they, or their husband, meet a property qualification and women vote in a general election for the first time on 14 December with over eight million women eligible.
1928
The Equal Franchise Act is passed giving women equal voting rights with men. All women aged over 21 can now vote in elections. Fifteen million women are eligible.

Notable auction highlights of suffragette related ephemera

The above five lots were part of the auction ‘Votes For Women, the Lesley Mees Collection.’ Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 22 September – 33 October 2023. Photographs courtesy of Bonhams.
For further information, artefacts and objects relating to the campaign, please visit The London Museum.

To arrange a valuation please call us on 01883 722736 or email us on [email protected].

Rachel Doerr, Managing Director

“For me, it starts with my mum. She always encouraged me and pushed me forward. Her influence extended to the music she played, like Joni Mitchell, Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand. Their voices of strength left a lasting impression.
In my career, I have been lucky to have strong women believe in me, like Ann Coad and Christel Goldthorpe. Now, I am surrounded by an incredible team, from jewellery and silver specialists to our brilliant admin and marketing teams. On this special day, I want to thank them all.”

Aurélia Turrall, Jewellery Specialist

“The women who inspire me in my industry are my Doerr Dallas Valuations colleagues. Each and every one of these extraordinary women has a wealth of knowledge that is only fictionalised in most books and films. Each one excels in one specific area and everyday I try to better myself by learning from them all, whether it be knowledge on instruments and kit to purchase to perfect valuations, or knowledge about a specific jewellery brand, gemstone or period in time. The rise of AI means nothing when you work with such splendid minds!”

Stephanie Connell, Senior Valuer & Collectibles Specialist

“On International Women’s Day it is important to me to consider all of the female designers and artists whose work has been pivotal but whose names have been overlooked or forgotten. One such designer is Clara Driscoll. Clara was one of the most important glass designers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her work was produced for Tiffany Studios – so if you can imagine the famous Tiffany lamps – the design you’re thinking of was likely created by Clara Driscoll.”

Francesca Orme, Jewellery Specialist

“My grandmother Maria Valentini is who I’d like to recognise for International Women’s Day. An inspiration not only as a woman but my reason for loving working with jewellery and appreciating all aspects of it.”

Kristin Panagiotou, Administration Manager

“The former Vice-President, Kamala Harris, is someone who I find inspirational. As the first woman to hold the position of Vice-President, as well as the first South Asian American and first Black American, she tirelessly worked and continues to break boundaries by striving to improve immigration policy, women’s rights and gun violence to name a few. Through her perseverance, activism and commitment to fighting injustice she is an inspiration to all women, young and old.”

Fiona Hamilton, Silver Specialist

“Miranda Leslie née Grant is also from the Highlands of Scotland and came to Bonhams Edinburgh in 2002 as Head of Jewellery and Silver, becoming Managing Director in 2008. Miranda was charismatic, generous with her expansive knowledge, and supportive and I feel privileged to have had her as a mentor.”

Jenny Knott, Silver & Jewellery Specialist

“International Women’s day gives us an opportunity to remember the pioneering women upon whose shoulders we stand. I am inspired by women, who against the odds, and often in the face of personal loss and economic imperative, forged careers as silversmiths and businesswomen; most famously, but by no means uniquely, Hester Bateman. A few years ago, I came across the work of Rauni Higson. I love the naturalist flow to her work. Since seeing and valuing some of her pieces, I have followed her career. I love her sentiment that silver is ‘a magical material that responds to light like nothing else except perhaps the moon. It has entranced humans forever, and it is extraordinary malleability means that almost any form that can be imagined can be realised, with enough time, skill and patience’. Having been tutored herself by master craftsmen, she now mentors up and coming silversmiths. She lives and works in Snowdonia, and her connection to the landscape is self-eident in her work. For silversmithing to continue as a craft we need craftspeople like Rauni with her integrity, skill and innovation.”

Jenny Serra, Marketing Manager

“This year, my inspiration for International Women’s Day is the iconic Iris Apfel, who passed away last year at the age of 102. The recent auction of her clothes and jewellery highlighted just how remarkable she was. She secured her first modelling contract at 97 and lived boldly, unapologetically, and entirely on her own terms. Her fearless approach to life is something to aspire to. If I can make it to 100 while embracing even a fraction of that spirit, I would consider it an incredible achievement.”

Jane Vann, Private Client Services Administrator

“Anne, The Princess Royal, is a very inspirational, hard working & brave woman.
Her no nonsense approach has stood her in good stead for many years, enabling her to become a top level event rider and the first Royal to compete in the Olympic Games. She also had to endure an attempt in her life & failed kidnapping in 1974. She is probably the hardest working member of the Royal family & I really admire her dedication, determination & no fuss attitude – she is very inspirational!”

Ashley Crawford, Asian Art Expert

“One of my favorite female artists is Akiko Higashimura, an author of josei manga, or “women’s comics”. Higashamura has achieved wide success in what otherwise remains a male-dominated field, with her books translated into many languages and frequently adapted to anime and live-action TV series and films. Her plots feature imperfect heroines navigating their way through issues that women face in modern-day Japan. It goes without saying that Higashimura’s novels pass the Bechdel test! Higashimura and her heroines are admirable role models to celebrate this International Women’s Day and I’m looking forward to reading what she publishes next!”

Liz Bailey, Jewellery, Silver & Watch Specialist

“Doerr Dallas is host to a wonderful selection of women who I absolutely admire! From the wonderful MD Rachel, the team in marketing and administration to our selection of specialists. This group of women is immensely dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive of one another. The breadth and depth of knowledge of the team is something that I really appreciate and admire. The six of us jewellery girls have combined decades of experience – between us the amount of jewellery and watches we will have valued collectively is staggering! It is always a great pleasure to talk with and learn from the other specialists we have in the team, covering silver, collectables, Asian art, fashion and Russian works of art to name a few!”

To arrange a valuation for your items please call us on 01883 722736 or email us on [email protected]

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Votes for Women: The Legacy of the Suffragettes