The Suffragette magazine was the organ of the Aberdeen University Woman Suffrage Association and this particular issue was from 28th October 1908. The front cover features an eye-catching design which is typical of the kind of symbolism used by suffragettes to promote their cause. It is difficult to say exactly what this design represents but it is reminiscent of a flower or rosette and the sun all of which were suffragette symbols.

The colours used are also significant. The colours we associate with the Woman's Social and Political Union, which was one of the major suffragette groups, are green, purple and white and they appeared on badges, jewellery and banners. Purple stood for freedom and dignity; green for hope and white for purity. The colours in this design vary slightly from this but are also likely to be meaningful.

The content of the newsletter is also interesting. It is dominated by the possibility of Henry Herbert Asquith, the Prime Minister at the time, becoming the Aberdeen University rector. Satirical articles and poems mock Asquith and the Liberal Party. As far as the suffragettes were concerned he was an unpopular candidate due to his opposition to women gaining the vote.

Document Type

Magazine

Document Reference

HD03_03

Keyword

Suffrage

Collection

Aberdeen Local Studies

Magnifier?

Yes

Public Access

Yes