The campaign for a Statue to Sylvia continues to make real progress.
The Committee of four has been attending many events relating to the Centenary Year of limited votes for women. Our Professor, Mary Davis, author – “Sylvia Pankhurst – A life in Radical Politics” has delivered lectures. Barbara spoke to a meeting in the House of Commons on International Women’s Day, Megan delivered a talk at the University of the 3rd Age, spoke at one of the events around the unveiling of the statue of Emmeline in Manchester, me in Newcastle on IWD. Just a taster of the activity – there is more, also everyone attending trade union conferences, political gatherings, trying to be better at social media etc.
The annual Lecture at Wortley Hall by Dr Sheila Hanlon – Cycling for Suffragism – was very well attended by 90 people. It was a hugely interesting and very entertaining lecture. We also welcomed Pedal4Progress who cycled from the Pankhurst Centre in Manchester to Wortley Hall to coincide with the Lecture and raise funds for us. This included Clarion cyclists from London and Sisters who managed 20km and said it was more painful than childbirth! So we have some really dedicated supporters helping us.
Megan and Barbara visited the Foundry to see Sylvia being cast. They both said it was incredible – a feat of engineering and artistry. The artist, a young man, was hugely inspired by the story of Sylvia. And so she is almost ready. The statue needs “finishing”, patinating and then is “good to go”. So far we have met the necessary bills.
We continue fund raising to cover the cost of transportation to the site, insurance and maintenance. We have applied for funds to assist with these costs, the costs of the launch event, and to make Sylvia a “talking” statue. This is a simple process where a passerby inputs a code into their mobile phone (on a plaque by the statue) and is called back with Sylvia’s story. A great way to inform footfall through Clerkenwell Green about the causes for which Sylvia campaigned and remain relevant today.
Early in the year we attended an exhibition in Charing Cross Library – Sylvia and Silvio – at which Megan spoke. This was organised by the ANPI (Italian anti fascist organization) in London in which Sylvia and her partner Silvio were active in the early 1920s. It was an interesting exhibition – very informative. What was striking was the introduction by Alfio who made a film about their anti fascist activities. The library building, tucked between the Garrick Theatre and pub, was the HQ of Italian fascists in London until 1940 who wanted to be as close as possible to Westminster… it housed a restaurant and lecture rooms. Alfio said we were “reclaiming” the building by housing this exhibition. It is going to be held in the Working Class Movement Library in Manchester next year and is very well worth a visit.
Above: Sylvia and Silvio; below: Helen, Megan, Alfio
Thanks to patron Maxine Peake, on International Women’s Day at the Old Vic a bucket collection raised £1,400 after she spoke to the audience about supporting the statue campaign. Maxine introduced us to the wonderful women at The Old Vic whose production about Sylvia was amazing! Hugely entertaining, enlivening and informative. Best of all a young diverse audience (and cast) who entered into the spirit of this Hip Hop production by their vocal participation!
Greatly helped by patron Chris Smith, always a “first responder” to pleas for help, Tom Watson’s office put us “out there” on their social media which immediately resulted in many very welcome on line donations.
We want to acknowledge our Patron Helen Pankhurst – who must be exhausted! Everywhere, at everything this year – we hope you have a good rest planned Helen. Always gracious as well as tireless, Thank You for keeping Sylvia in the frame alongside your speaking out for all women who fought for the right to vote.
A shout out too to the Marx Memorial Library, to whom our statue will be “bustling” towards full of busyness, for their support and encouragement and also Emily Thornberry who makes time for us despite other… err… rather pressing problems as Shadow Foreign Secretary.
Finally we were very sad to hear of the death of our patron Brenda Dean. Brenda fought tirelessly for 10 years in the Lords to try and obtain their permission to erect the statue on College Green. Westminster Council approved us, the House of Commons also – but never the Lords! As the Guardian reported (Sylvia and phone tapping) Sylvia was obviously never going to find favour with the establishment! We have submitted a letter in reply trying to raise our profile – not as yet published…
The £90,000 we have raised has been from individuals giving us a £1 to those who are able to donate more – every single gift is valued. Trade union branches have been generous. In terms of “grants” we have received £13,000. £10,000 from the Corporation of the City of London and £3,000 from Islington whose support and commitment to raising the statue is invaluable – thank you Chris.
This therefore will be a “People’s” statue. We are so appreciative of everyone’s active support as for the campaign. When we thank donors we also exhort them to “Spread the Word”. Please mention our Sylvia in every conversation at every opportunity – so that she will be raised to inspire future generations about the need for vigilance to protect democracy and fight for fairness for all people.
Best wishes for the festive season and for Peace and Progress in 2019.
Barbara, Mary, Megan and Phil – The Sylvia Pankhurst Memorial Committee