Headstone Manor and Museum, 2018

The Daphne Bullard grant was given for the conservation and mounting of a pre-WWI tablecloth (Accession No. 1988:14) embroidered by men and women of the Women’s Social and Political Union in Harrow and Middlesex. Harrow Council provided additional funding.

The cloth is currently on display in the manor for everyone to enjoy - the text panel accompanying it reads:

The Pinner branch of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) was founded in 1910 by 52 year old Janie Terrero. Members hand sewed a 'To Victory' banner, which the group marched with as part of a 40,000 person 'coronation procession' from Westminster to the Royal Albert Hall in 1911. During her time in Holloway prison, Janie even embroidered a handkerchief with the slogan 'Bold Bad Ones' describing fellow imprisoned suffragettes who were on hunger strike. Between 1905 and 1914 over 1000 women were imprisoned due to their actions as suffragettes. The tablecloth was embroidered by a second local WSPU member, Emily Whenn. Her tablecloth features the names of many well known suffragettes, including Christabel Pankhurst and Emily Wilding Davidson, who famously died after being hit by the King's horse at Ascot.

The conservation and mounting work was undertaken by Janie Lightfoot Textiles LLP. 

The cloth was featured in a 2018 temporary exhibition at Headstone Manor and Museum (HMM) entitled ‘Bold Bad Ones’ (18th September to 30th December) which marked the centenary of women’s suffrage. The tablecloth took centrestage in this exhibition. Following this, the mounted tablecloth was moved to permanent display.

Information for this page has been kindly provided by Stacey Anne Bagdi, Collections & Exhibitions Officer (Curator) HMM and Elysia Morgan, Collections & Archives Assistant, HMM.