Fashion, Fury and Feminism – Women’s Fight for Change

Tessa Boase who is a journalist and the author of Etta Lemon, will present this fascinating zoom.

Blackheath resident, Margaretta Lemon, felt passionately about the cruel Victorian fashion for plumage, wings and whole dead birds on ladies’ hats. She could often be heard on a Sunday lecturing local ladies on their ‘murderous millinery’ as they made their way to All Saints church. While in her twenties she helped found the RSPB, and was soon running the Society and pushing for anti plumage legislation. She did not, however, believe in Votes for Women – and Mrs Pankhurst's appetite for plumed hats enraged her further still. 

Etta Lemon is a heroine for our times. Etta’s long battle against “murderous millinery” triumphed with the Plumage Act of 1921 and the establishment of the RSPB.

Members will be sent the link to join the meeting.