This magnificent hat dates to circa 1908-1910 and is simply huge! Called The Gainsborough after the 1785 portrait of the Duchess of Devonshire by the artist of the same name, this hat is rare indeed because of the Suffragette colours, adopted by the 'Women's Social & Political Union' in 1908. At this time, Emmeline Pankhurst and her followers adopted purple white & green as their official colours. "Purple...stands for the royal blood that flows in the veins of every suffragette...white stands for purity in private and public life...green is the colour of hope and the emblem of Spring'. You see here a portrait badge of Miss Pankhurst in the colours of the group, sold in large numbers to the public [Wikipedia]. Held in The Museum of London along with a banner of the same colours, with the motto 'Deeds Not Words'. This hat is in superb condition. The flowers and velvet bows are so fresh, softened by fine black tulle to finish. The black straw brim measures 22" x 18"!