From Sappho to Suffrage at the Weston Library

WHO members Edith and Eleanor visited the Sappho to Suffrage exhibition at the Weston Library in Oxford last week. The theme of the exhibition - “women who dared” - was illustrated by the courageous and norm-breaking life stories of women represented in Bodleian Libraries’ archives and special collections. From poets to pirates, from scientists to champions for women’s suffrage - the range of collections on display was wide. Below are some of their personal highlights:

We were particularly struck by some of the truly badass figures whose stories were completely new to us, such as the formidable Hannah Snell. In the late 1740s, Snell disguised herself as a man and served in the marines for several years - she then went on, having revealed her sex to her shipmates, to launch a successful campaign to be granted a military pension. Likewise, we were very taken with the gloriously unconventional and notorious pirates, Mary Read and Anne Bonny, though we should note the possibility that neither of them considered themselves women. Perhaps to say merely that they “dressed as men” is to gloss over some of the nuances of gender identity.

Although each individual story was inspiring in itself, what left the strongest impression is still the collaborative achievements of those participating in social movements. In terms of the women’s suffrage movement, what was particularly striking is the strong brand - with its iconic purple, green and white - which was built through the craft and skill of its members. WHO have in fact considered many of the same techniques as part of their outreach strategy, and it is fascinating how far back the connection between handicrafts and promotion of women’s groups reach. So far back that we do not always consider where those skills and practices come from!

When exiting the exhibition, we confronted the last item on display - the Suffrage Wall - which is also available here online. The wall was created by the Women in Humanities research project in commemoration of the 2018 suffrage centenary. The WiH website says that the piece celebrates the achievements of a diverse group of women and represents the “continuing need to challenge barriers to gender equality”. However, whilst the wall certainly features some inspiring women, we were somewhat perplexed by the message it was supposed to convey. One of the quotes on the wall was from Julie Bindle who, as well as fighting for victims of domestic violence, has expressed both transphobic and biphobic views. Heralded amongst other “suffrage champions” was the current Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Louise Richardson, who has told queer students that she isn’t there to make them feel comfortable, and the onus is on them to debate and challenge the views of prejudiced academic staff. Surely this undercuts any “powerful statement” of inclusivity?

Despite some controversial figures on the Suffrage Wall, Sappho to Suffrage is definitely worth an extended visit for anyone interested in local and global women’s history - not least because of all the thoughts and ideas it sparks. By highlighting the biographies of “women who dared” the exhibition lifted out hidden figures not often taught in mainstream history education. However, something to consider, is what happens to all the women who are not only hidden but ‘forgotten’. Due to the nature of archival collections and written histories, it is perhaps not strange that Sappho to Suffrage heavily relies on the stories of white and / or upper class women. These are the accounts which are most likely to survive in written form, nevertheless, it’s always a shame to see yet another tribute to Florence Nightingale without any mention of Mary Seacole. This is one of the reasons why we particularly loved the few addition of crafts items and political memorabilia to the personal histories, as a reminder of the influence and power of those who cannot be represented by name.

Sappho to Suffrage: Women Who Dared is on until February 2019 in the Bodleian Treasury at the Weston Library

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