For this exhibition we invite textile artists to submit artwork that draws inspiration from West Yorkshire’s textile history and the role of Yorkshire women in the Suffragette movement. Work can be wall mounted, hangings, free standing pieces – or any other form - surprise us!

This year is the centenary of ‘The Representation of the People Act 1918’ - an Act of Parliament passed to reform the electoral system in Great Britain and Ireland. This Act was the first to include all men over 21 years old in the political system; however it only included women over 30 who held £5 of property or had husbands who did - this represented just 40% of women over 30! It would be another 10 years before the right to vote was extended to women over the age of 21.

This partial victory was the result of years of social action by the Suffragettes. In 1872 the fight for women's suffrage had became a national movement with the formation of the National Society for Women's Suffrage and the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). 1906 saw the militant campaign begin with the formation of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). 

The bombing and arson campaigns created a state of insecurity in the nations cities. The debate continues today - were extreme suffragettes regarded as terrorists ?

In any discussion of the suffragette movement, the names that most frequently crop up are those of the London-based leaders – in particular the Pankhurst family – but Yorkshire women too played significant roles in the campaign. Often they were mill workers / trade unionists who saw getting votes for women as part of a larger campaign for equality. In the nineteenth century Wakefield and its surrounding regions had a strong textile manufacturing sector with companies dealing in raw wool, spinning yarn, weaving cloth and producing reclaimed wool known as ‘shoddy’. 

These events and themes will form the backdrop for the exhibition, and we invite textile artists to submit artwork that draws inspiration from West Yorkshire’s textile history and the role of Yorkshire women in the Suffragette movement. Work can be wall mounted, hangings, free standing pieces – or any other form - surprise us! 

The exhibition will open on the 25th of July as part of the Wakefield ArtWalk, a city-wide event that opens the doors of multiple venues across town.

KEY DATES

Submission Deadline: Friday 22nd June

Selection Date: Monday 25th June

Delivery Dates: Mon,16th - Wednes.18th July

EXHIBITION OPENING WEDNESDAY 25TH JULY

Pickup Deadline: 30/31st August

There are no submission fees, but delivery and collection fees to be covered by the artist; also please ensure your work is insured.