1-192-457 - © London Museum/Heritage-Images

Emmeline Pankhurst being presented with an amethyst, pearl and emerald necklace at the Queen's Hall, Langham Place, London, 14th January 1909. From left to right: Mabel Tuke (seated); Clara Mordan (standing), who made the presentations, 'a pioneer in the higher education of women'; Emmeline Pankhurst (standing); Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence (standing); Christabel Pankhurst (seated); and Annie Kenney (seated). While their leader was in prison, Mabel Tuke had asked WSPU members, through the pages of Votes for Women, to contribute towards the gift. (On the same evening Mary Leigh was presented with a clock.) Many of the women are wearing sashes that read Votes for Women. The colour scheme was much in evidence, not only in the choice of stones for the necklace, but also the flags, flower arrangements and dress of the audience were a riot of purple, white and green. These were the official colours of the movement; purple for dignity, white for purity, and green for hope.