This museum Lab, hosted at the Brighton Museum, celebrates the centenary of the Representation of the People Act, the passing of which marked the beginning of women’s suffrage. This act, passed on 6th February 1918, gave women over the age of 30, who were either married to property owners or property owners themselves, the right to vote.
It seems ridiculous today that women’s suffrage was not fully permitted even one hundred years ago, and remained incomplete until 1928, when the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act was passed, granting women equal voting rights with men. However the first Representation of the People Act was a pivotal moment in the battle for female equality, and those who fought for it paved the way to the eventual acceptance of equal rights for women.
The event includes a character, ‘Minnie Turner’, complete with period costume. She is a well known Brighton suffragette who fought valiantly for the women’s rights movement and was arrested three times for her militant actions.
The Lab will also include a display of newly made costumes inspired by the stories of extraordinary women through history, fashioned by the students of Performance and Film, from the Northbrook MET. Additionally, there will be a secret ballot box in which you can share your views on the importance of electoral equality.
This event is running on selected dates between 6 February 2018 and 7 February 2018. The next occurring event is today, 6th February 2018 at 2:00 pm.
Upcoming Dates:
- 6th February 2018 at 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm
- 7th February 2018 at 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm
Admission is free with Brighton Museum admission. Members and residents can drop-in free. All ages are welcome.
Please note: A ‘first come, first served’ policy is in operation for drop-in sessions and free events that do not require pre-booking.
Find out more about the newly created costumes on our blog
Find out more about Museum Lab
