Feather, hat feather

This purple ostrich feather was previously used as decoration on a hat worn by the Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst. The hat was worn by Emmeline at various campaign events including the Suffragette deputation to the House of Commons in June 1909 and whilst campaigning at Redcar during the Cleveland by-election in July 1909. Similarly to all Suffragettes Emmeline wore, at all times, accessories and clothing in the purple, white and green colours of the Women's Social & Political Union.

The information with regards Emmeline's association with the feather is handwritten on a label attached to the feather prior to it coming into the Museum's collection in 1950. The label reads 'The plume of a brave woman, Mrs Pankhurst's feather worn at the 'Rush the House' deputation & at Redcar at the election given to me at my request in exchange for 2 'Ascot hat' feathers of mine.' The label is signed but the signature is illegible. The initial is 'M' the surname may be 'Taylor'.