Emily Wilding Davison
(1872-1913), SuffragetteSitter associated with 2 portraits
Joining the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1906, by 1910 Davison was writing for their newspaper, Votes for Women. Believing militant action was necessary, she carried out numerous attacks, leaving the WSPU in 1911 after her actions were felt to be too aggressive by the union's leaders. In April 1911, Davison hid in a cupboard in the Palace of Westminster on the night of the census in order to give her place of address as the House of Commons. In June 1913 she ran out in front of the King's horse, at the Epsom Derby, causing horse and rider to fall. She suffered a fractured skull, dying four days later. The first woman to die for the cause, Davison acquired the status of 'Suffragette Martyr'.
Suffragette March in Hyde Park
by Christina Broom
cream-toned velox print, 23 July 1910
On display in Room 24 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG x17396
Procession of Emily Davison's funeral
by Ferdinand Louis Kehrhahn & Co
postcard print, June 1913
NPG x45196
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