Our pick of exhibitions and craft shows to have on your radar in March, plus a close look at Suffragette jewellery
EDITED BY CAROLINE WHEATER & RACHEL NOTT
THE ANTIQUE Suffragette Jewellery
With International Women’s Day on 8th March, the subject of Suffragette jewellery is a timely one. The period for such pieces was short, with the majority made between 1908 and 1914, says Bonhams jewellery specialist Jennifer Tonkin. Pieces featured the symbolic colours of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) founded by Emmeline Pankhurst – purple/violet for dignity, white for purity, and green for hope, first seen on Suffragette banners and sashes. ‘Suffragette jewellery and badges were popular among women from all walks of life who wanted to show subtle support for the cause to win the vote for women,’ says Jennifer. There are certain makers’ names to look out for: jewellers Arthur and Georgie Gaskin made pin badges but also gem-set jewellery for more bohemian clients; while Ernestine Mills designed heart-shaped enamel badges for WSPU events using the maker’s mark EM. In 1908, Mappin & Webb produced a catalogue of Suffragette pieces, offering gem-set jewellery and badges – the cause was gaining momentum. The main gems used were amethysts (purple), peridots (green) and seed pearls (white), but pink tourmalines, diamonds and enamel decoration also featured. Suffragette jewellery wasn’t all hallmarked, which is why it’s important that it’s assessed by a specialist who can date the piece by its style and the quality of the craftsmanship. Prices at auction start in the low hundreds of pounds, rising to five figures for very important examples, such as the ‘Portcullis’ or ‘Holloway’ brooch, awarded to Suffragettes who were imprisoned for militant demonstration.
