Political Jewellery through History
Badges, brooches, rings and pins have all been used to send a message about political affiliation and belief. Whether it is the red, white and green of the suffragette movement, the coded jewels of the eighteenth century Jacobites or the protest badges of the late twentieth century. Jewellery is perfectly placed to send a message of patriotism or revolutionary sympathies. Listen to Rachel Church as she explores this fascinating area of jewellery history.
This talk was first hosted online by the Goldsmiths’ Centre in February 2022.
Who is the speaker?
Rachel Church has written and lectured widely on jewellery history and design. She is the author of 'Rings' (V&A/ Thames and Hudson 2011 and 2017) and 'Brooches and Badges' (V&A/ Thames and Hudson 2019). She has worked as a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum and was part of the team which redeveloped the William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery.
Image credit: Suffrage badge depicting an angel blowing a trumpet, designed by women's suffrage advocate Sylvia Pankhurst, 1910. Photography by Emilia van Beugen (c) Gado Images, Alamy Stock Photo