Artist's plea over Suffragette banner
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PORTSKERRA artist Alex Patience has put out an appeal for fabric donations to help create a banner celebrating the 100th anniversary of women being granted the vote.
A series of marches will take place in Edinburgh, London, Belfast and Cardiff on June 10 to mark this historic occasion and Alex is hoping that Caithness and Sutherland can make its presence felt in the Scottish capital that day.
The event, which is being organised by 14-18-NOW, the organisation behind the World War I Centenary Art Commissions that made Weeping Poppies tributes, is hoping to celebrate and reflect on 100 years of women participating within the political process.
Alex is hoping to construct a banner to take to the event and has appealed to the public for help.
She said: “Any fabric that would be useful to make a banner will be welcome.
“Obviously, the suffragette movement’s colours of white, green and violet will need to be present but other coloured fabrics will be appreciated.
“Any colour will do as the more colours on the banner, the better.
“If anyone has experience in design, I’d be delighted to hear from them.
“Even if you’re interested in coming along to the march, get in touch. Transportation and some modest accommodation will be provided for the day itself in June.”
Alex hopes the march itself will help remind people that a long, hard struggle had to be endured so that women could be allowed to vote.
She added: “It is hard for people today not to feel disenfranchised with the political process.
“However, for women prior to 1918, they were excluded completely and endured a lot to win that right to vote.
“Back then women had to pay taxes but they had no say in electing a government because they were barred from voting.
“Many women were imprisoned for not paying taxes as a protest against this.”
If anyone can help Alex with the donation of fabric material or can offer their design skills for the banner, she can be reached on 01641 531355 or 07599760798. She can also be contacted via email at patienceart@yahoo.co.uk
