Images Dated 9th October 2013

Card Game - The Game of Suffragette

The 'Game of Suffragette' was devised and produced by the Kensington branch of the Women's Social & Political Union. It was announced in the November 1907 issue of the Union's publication, 'Votes for Women'. 'Although it may be recommended as a novel form of propaganda, let it not be thought that there is no fun in it.' The game consisted of sets of cards including 'Broken Promises', 'The Career of the Suffragettes', 'Pie Crust Principles' and 'The Sensational Press'. There are portrait cards and others with line illustrations, each has the 'Haunted House' image, by David Wilson on the reverse. David Wilson, (1873-1935) produced the dark and brooding image of the woman a top the Houses of Parliament for the Daily Chronicle in April 1907. It was then used as the front cover illustration for the first issue of 'Votes for Women' in October 1907. Also includes a copy of the original rules. Date: 1907

© The March of the Women Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library

Suffragette Chess Set

A painted figural chess set, entitled 'Topical Chessmen (Suffragettes v The Law). It comprises King and Queen, bishops as judges, rooks as burning buildings, prison cells, policemen as pawns and suffragettes painted with sashes. The original box states that the set was made in London by Disabled Soldiers and Sailors for The Incorporated Soldiers and Sailors Help Society, 122, Brompton Road, London, S.W. This organisation was founded in 1899, and Lord Roberts took a keen interest in the workshops set up after the South African war, in which many ex-servicemen were trained in the making of small articles. The chess set was sold in 'Toy and Athletic Dealers' Probably dates from late 1913-1914. Date: circa 1914

© The March of the Women Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library