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Leading Characters

Emmeline-Pankhurst-sufragette-who-fought-for-the-right-for-women-to-vote

Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst is an elegantly attired revolutionary trying to break down the establishment, a fashionista who doesn’t give a rap for animal rights. Known as ‘Pank’ to her suffragette devotees, she promotes window smashing, arson and martyrdom in Holloway Gaol to press her cause. Votes for Women is her goal; the feathered hat is her brand.

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We threw away all our conventional notions of what was ‘ladylike’ and ‘good form,’ and we applied to our methods the one test question, Will it help?”
etta-lemon

Etta Lemon

Etta Lemon is a formidable conservationist trying to save the world’s birdlife from ‘murderous millinery’ and the insatiable plumage trade. Known as ‘The Dragon,’ or ‘Mother of the Birds’, she is a woman of strong emotions and even stronger opinions, with no time for the male science of ornithology – or, indeed, for the idea of women’s suffrage.

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“While these foreign birds are to be had at such ridiculous prices, that class of the community which rejoices in gaudy headgear is not likely to forego its passion.”
Emily Williamson

Emily Williamson

Founder of the Society for the Protection of Birds in Didsbury, Manchester, 1889, in response to the plight of the crested grebe, a milliner’s favourite.

“Women are mostly timid in inaugurating anything, but they are very ready to give their help to a good cause when they are shown the way.”
eliza-phillips

Eliza Phillips

Fervently Christian founder of the Fur, Fin and Feather Folk of Croydon, Surrey, 1889. Head of publications at the early SPB, when her and Emily’s societies merged in 1891.

“It is women’s vanity that stimulates the greed of commerce, and women’s money that tempts bird-slaughterers to continue their cruel work at home and abroad.”
WInifred,-Duchess-of-Portland

Winifred, Duchess of Portland

Humanitarian aristocrat behind a roster of good causes, from pit ponies, to girls’ education, to caged birds. President of the RSPB for 60 years.

“In America they do some things better than we do here. When a lady wears an osprey they tear it off her head, hat and all.”
queen-alexandra

Queen Alexandra

Fashion-conscious wife of the adulterous King Edward VII, ‘Alix’ put her influential name behind the bird protection movement in 1906.

“I am desired to add that HM never wears Osprey feathers herself, and will certainly do all in her power to discourage the cruelty practised on these beautiful birds.”
Alice-Battershall

Alice Battershall

Lowly feather washer of Finsbury, London, jailed for the theft of two ostrich feathers in 1885. Unreliable earnings of five shillings a week.

“No industry is more in fluctuation, for fashion alternates between flowers, birds, feathers and velvets. It is a mystery how these girls live” – Mr Lakeman, Factories & Workshops Inspector.
Beatrice-Webb

Beatrice Webb

Undercover investigator of London’s most impoverished women. Disguised as a ‘plain hand,’ she sought needlework in Whitechapel, 1885.

“At the next shop window I look nervously at my reflection, and am startled at my utterly forlorn appearance – destitute enough to be ‘sweated’ by any master.”
1909-margot-asquith-by-2

Margot Asquith

Wife of the lecherous Liberal Prime Minister, 1908-16; fashion addict, feather wearer, society hostess, letter writer and anti-suffragist.

“When I think what [King Edward VII’s] death means I can hardly hold back my tears. I went out and ordered a black dress and hat at Jays.”
Virginia_Woolf

Virginia Woolf

Writer, law-abiding suffragist and supporter of the RSPB’s plumage bill. Furious that women, not men, were blamed for the trade in feathers.

“The birds are killed by men, starved by men, and tortured by men – not vicariously, but with their own hands . . . But what do men care?”
Mary_Augusta,_Mrs_Humphry_Ward._Photograph_by_Barraud._Wellcome_V0027309

Mary Ward

Popular novelist and leading figure in the women’s Anti-Suffrage League. Author of the Solemn Protest Against Women’s Suffrage, 1889.

“We are convinced that the pursuit of a mere outward quality with men is for women not only vain, but leads to a total misconception of women’s true dignity and special mission.”
Women & Birds
Murderous Millinery
Suffragettes

Header Photo Copyright: World’s Graphic Press Limited, 36-38 Whitefriars Street, Fleet Street, London EC.

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    8 February, 2018
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News & Events

Monday, 14 May, 2018 / 6.30pm
East Grinstead Bookshop, Sussex

Every writer loves a great bookshop, so I’m thrilled to be talking at this contender for the British Book Awards Independent Bookshop of the Year, 2018. I look forward to seeing old faces and new over a glass of wine.

SEE ALL NEWS & EVENTS
  • Home
  • Books
    • Press
    • Mrs. Pankhurst’s Purple Feather
      • Book Overview
      • Leading Characters
      • Women & Birds
      • Murderous Millinery
      • Suffragettes
    • The Housekeeper’s Tale
      • Book Overview
      • Meet the Housekeepers
  • The Author
  • News & Events
  • Blog
  • Contact
Copyright © 2018, Tessa Boase. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Books
    • Press
    • Mrs. Pankhurst’s Purple Feather
      • Book Overview
      • Leading Characters
      • Women & Birds
      • Murderous Millinery
      • Suffragettes
    • The Housekeeper’s Tale
      • Book Overview
      • Meet the Housekeepers
  • The Author
  • News & Events
  • Blog
  • Contact
Tessa Boase