Activism Gallery

Charles Bradlaugh...Claiming the Right to Make the Affirmation of Allegiance..., 1880, (1901)

Charles Bradlaugh, at the Bar of the House of Commons, Claiming the Right to Make the Affirmation of Allegiance instead of taking the Oath, 1880, (1901). British free-thinker, political activist, atheist and social reformer Charles Bradlaugh (1833-1891) was elected MP for Northampton in 1880, but refused to take the oath as he was not a Christian, and was expelled from Parliament. He was re-elected and continued to be rejected until 1886 when he finally took the oath. Having taken up his seat, Bradlaugh spoke in favour of Irish Home Rule and land redistribution. He founded the National Secular Society in 1866. From "The Illustrated London News Record of the Glorious Reign of Queen Victoria 1837-1901: The Life and Accession of King Edward VII. and the Life of Queen Alexandra". [London, 1901]

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Jose Marti, Fermin Valdes Dominguez and Gomez Toro, Key West, Florida, USA, 1894 (c1910)

Jose Marti, Fermin Valdes Dominguez and Gomez Toro, Key West, Florida, USA, 1894 (c1910). Jose Marti was a world class poet, an essayist, a journalist, a revolutionary philosopher, a translator, a professor, a publisher, and a political theorist. He was also a part of the Cuban Freemasons. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol for Cuba's bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century, and is referred to as the Apostle of Cuban Independence. Valdes Dominquez was his close friend and fellow activist. Gomez Toro was the son of General Maximo Gomez and Bernarda Toro. Cigar card from the History of Cuba, Geografico Universal, Propaganda de los Cigarros Susini y La Corona, Tabacalera Cubana

© The Print Collector

Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst, English suffragette, early 20th century

Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst, English suffragette, early 20th century. Born in Manchester from a Radical political background, Emmeline Goulden (1857-1928) married Dr Richard Pankhurst, the Red Doctor, a Radical, feminist barrister. Their three daughters were all involved in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), formed to campaign for votes for women. Emmeline was a charismatic and eloquent speaker and was immensely popular with the membership. By 1913 she had served three prison sentences: two in 1908 for leading a deputation to Parliament, and for inciting the public to rush the House of Commons; and in the wake of the window smashing of March 1912, she was sentenced to nine months in prison for conspiracy to commit damage. Emmeline Pankhurst's goal, the right for all women to vote, was finally realised in 1928

© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images