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Suffragette Chess Set
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Suffragette Chess Set
A painted figural chess set, entitled Topical Chessmen (Suffragettes v The Law). It comprises King and Queen, bishops as judges, rooks as burning buildings, prison cells, policemen as pawns and suffragettes painted with sashes. The original box states that the set was made in London by Disabled Soldiers and Sailors for The Incorporated Soldiers and Sailors Help Society, 122, Brompton Road, London, S.W. This organisation was founded in 1899, and Lord Roberts took a keen interest in the workshops set up after the South African war, in which many ex-servicemen were trained in the making of small articles. The chess set was sold in Toy and Athletic Dealers Probably dates from late 1913-1914. Date: circa 1914
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Media ID 14169088
© The March of the Women Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Bishops Brompton Burning Cells Chess Chessmen Comprises Disabled Entitled Figural Help Incorporated Judges Policemen Prison Rooks Sailors Sashes Suffrage Suffragette Suffragettes Topical Versus Made Pawns Rights
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This Suffragette Chess Set, entitled "Topical Chessmen (Suffragettes v The Law," is a unique and intriguing piece of historical art and social commentary. The figural chess set, painted in vibrant colors, features a compelling cast of characters representing the ongoing battle for women's suffrage in early 20th century Britain. The set comprises a King and Queen, symbolizing the suffragette leaders, and bishops depicted as stern-faced judges, reflecting the legal establishment's opposition to women's right to vote. Rooks are depicted as burning buildings and prison cells, representing the destructive actions taken by the suffragettes in their fight for change, while rook pawns symbolize the ordinary men who upheld the law. Suffragette pawns, adorned with sashes, boldly challenge the status quo, bringing the struggle for women's suffrage to the chessboard. The original box of this set states that it was made in London by the Incorporated Soldiers and Sailors Help Society, an organization founded in 1899 to support ex-servicemen after the South African War. Lord Roberts took a keen interest in the workshops set up by the society, where many disabled soldiers and sailors were trained in the making of small articles. This chess set was likely sold in toy and athletic dealers around late 1913 or 1914, making it a fascinating artifact from a pivotal moment in women's history. This Suffragette Chess Set is a testament to the power of art and creativity in expressing social and political messages. It serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of the suffragettes in their quest for women's rights and the important role that organizations like the Incorporated Soldiers and Sailors Help Society played in providing opportunities for those in need during a time of great change.
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