Banner of the Wimbledon Park Women’s Co-operative Guild
The Guild was established in 1904.
The date and maker are not known. The blue silk-faced cotton sateen background is lined with similar material. The silk applied motifs and embroidery are hand stitched using yellow satin. The fringe cord and soft tassels are of a synthetic fibre. The banner measures 93cm high and 54cm wide.
White roses were symbolic of purity and good intention in the early days of the Guild. The motto ‘Unity is Strength’ was also widely used by the co-operative movement. ‘Strength united’ suggests a connection with other London co-operatives forming part of the RACS (Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society) in the 20th Century. The wheatsheaf is a common symbol of co-operation.
The Co-operative Heritage Trust 117927
The Trust was formed in 2007 by Co-operatives UK, the Co-operative College and the Co-operative Group to bring together heritage assets of the British Co-operative Movement to educate and inspire audiences about how and why co-operatives developed from the 19th Century.
The Trust cares for Rochdale Pioneers Museum and the Co-operative Archive based in Manchester. In 2012 the National Lottery Heritage funded Rochdale Project took place including a major renovation of the museum building.
The banner and textile collection
As part of the Rochdale Project, conservation of banners in the collection was undertaken at the textile studios of the People’s History Museum, Manchester.
Trades Union style banners were carried by co-operators to reflect the pride of the membership in their societies and to rally support for positive change. As such they are decorated with symbols representing friendship, solidarity and peace.
https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/
Photography by John Harris / Report Digital. Digital retouching by Adrian Hayes.
Photography, design and print by unionised labour. www.reportdigital.co.uk, www.kavitagraphics.co.uk and www.rapspiderweb.co.uk
