The Suffragette Elsie Howey in a Replica Prison Cell

The Suffragette Elsie Howey in a replica prison cell, 1909. Replica prison uniforms were often worn by ex-suffragette prisoners at demonstrations and fund-raising bazaars to highlight the conditions under which imprisoned Suffragettes were held. This image was probably taken at the Women's Exhibition held at Princes Skating Rink in May 1909 where a 'Prison Life' exhibit included a replica prison cell 'peopled' by Suffragettes dressed in replica prison clothing and taking part in prison activities such as sewing.
Elsie Howey was a committed Suffragette. She travelled the country as a salaried WSPU Organiser and served several terms of imprisonment for militancy. She was also a member of the Young Hot Bloods, a group of young suffragettes, fiercely loyal to Emmeline & Christabel Pankhurst. This secretive group, dedicated to carrying out 'danger duty' met every Saturday at 4.30pm in Alan's Tea Rooms in Oxford Street and were used by the WSPU to lead protests, organise parliamentary demonstrations and harass government ministers. Elsie also memorably attended Suffragette processions riding a white horse and dressed as Joan of Arc, as depicted in this image. In a letter to the Suffragette Fellowship her Mother, also a Suffragette campaigner noted Elsie, required 4 months medical treatment to recover from force feeding. 'Her beautiful voice was ruined'