Cycling to Suffrage: The Bicycle and Women’s Rights, 1890-1914
Closes 8 Sept 2012–See the show while you still can!
This special exhibit explores the history and politics of women’s bicycling
In 1895, American activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton famously declared that “many a woman is riding to suffrage on a bicycle.” From the fashionable lady cyclists of Stanton’s era to the politically motivated suffragette scouts of the Edwardian age, the bicycle has long been associated with liberated women.
This free foyer exhibit curated by Vera Douie Fellow Dr Sheila Hanlon uses rare and seldom seen artefacts from The Women’s Library to explore the politics of women’s cycling in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Britain, with a focus on the suffrage campaign and some surprises along the way.
The inspiring story of how bicycles contributed to women’s emancipation is told through portraits of New Women cyclists, designs for rational cycling costumes, bicycle parade postcards, letters home from suffrage cycle tours, news reports of militant police chases a-wheel and more.
Cycling to Suffrage investigates the history of women’s cycling in a bygone era, but raises issues that still resonate today.
Here’s what some of our visitors have said:
“I left with a sense of connectedness to all the pioneers of women’s cycling” –Spokeswoman
“Essential inspiration for women to get back on their bikes” –One Stop Arts
“What a great tribute to the power of cycling in activism…We would encourage everyone to go and see the wonderful Cycling to Suffrage Display at the Women’s Library’” –Climate Rush
“See how the humble bike transformed the position of women” –What Glass Ceiling
***Chosen as one of the Breeze Network’s Top 5 Cycling Picks for July/August 2012***
The exhibition runs until 8 September 2012.
Download the latest press release by clicking the icon here ——————————————>
For further details and visitor information, see http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/thewomenslibrary/whats-on/exhibitions/cycling-to-suffrage-the-bicycle-and-womens-rights-1890-1914.cfm
The Women’s Library is located at 25 Old Castle Street, Aldgate, London, E1 7NT. Aldgate and Aldgate East are the nearest stations. We have bike racks too!
