PANKHURST CENTRE CHARITY JUMPER 2021

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Monday 8th March 2021, we’ve launched the Emmeline Jumper, our first charity piece of the year. This year it seemed fitting for us as a brand to collaborate and support a local charity close to our hearts that has been affected by the impact of Covid-19 and its restrictions

We will be donating £5 from the sale of every jumper to their chosen charity, the Pankhurst Centre, part of the Pankhurst Trust, registered charity no. 1126433.  

Brand Director, Lucy says; 

“The world-renowned Emmeline Pankhurst was a boundary smashing, legendary woman who led the charge. Her work was continued by her daughters and today, it’s continued by the next generation - the amazing team over at the Pankhurst Centre, who keep the history and the Pankhursts’ legacy alive through events and exhibitions. This isn’t just local history, it’s every woman’s history.  

My Great Aunt Joan, who our business was named after, was a fiercely proud woman from Moss Side, Manchester, as was Pankhurst. As a female-led business in Manchester, the synergy between Joanie and women’s equality is a natural fit and it’s an absolute honour for us to be able use our voice (and our jumpers) to raise awareness of the Pankhurst Trust and to contribute much needed funds to keep this wonderful slice of history alive and kicking.” 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #ChooseToChallenge, has encouraged our collaboration with an organisation that celebrates the changemakers of the past to inspire the changemakers of the future.  

 Tessa Chynoweth, Curator of the Pankhurst Centre, says;  

“The ‘Choose to Challenge’ theme of this year’s International Women’s Day recognises how difficult it can be to challenge inequality and achieve change.  As we have seen with the suffrage movement; change takes time and we can all be a part of that change.  It is great to be supported by Joanie, who are inspired by the legacy of the Pankhurst Centre and our vision for its future.” 

The Pankhurst Centre 

Number 62 Nelson Street was the home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her family from 1898 until 1907. The first meeting of the Women's Social and Political Union - the movement that became known as The Suffragettes - took place in the parlour of the house. The Pankhurst Centre team work to ensure this important place remains open to the public and aim to develop it into the world-class heritage site it deserves to be. 

The Pankhurst Centre is the only place where the public can visit a former home of the Pankhurst family, and the only museum in the UK dedicated to female suffrage. 

Saved, rebuilt, and ran by women, the Pankhurst Centre is a testament to the important story of the campaign for the vote, and its relevance today. Visitors come from around the world to explore the Pankhursts’ role in Manchester’s radical history and discover how they influenced one of the most significant political and societal developments of the twentieth century. 

As well as serving as a small museum and heritage centre, the Pankhurst Centre is also a women’s centre and community space. It provides space for activities and events that are ran, often, but not always, by women, for women. It is a unique and vibrant place where women can learn together, work on projects and socialise. 

Tessa continues, 

“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has presented huge ongoing challenges for the Pankhurst Centre but ahead of reopening later this year, work is moving forward on plans for a new permanent exhibition At Home with the Pankhurst Family, which we are very excited about.” 

At home with the Pankhurst Family will explore the lives of the Pankhurst family in a participatory and immersive visitor experience. Funded by AIM Biffa Award History Makers, as part of the Landfill Communities Fund, the exhibition will present the different perspectives and viewpoints of the family and of the broader suffrage movement and allow visitors to go on their own journey of discovery.  

Released to coincide with International Women’s day on 8th March, we wanted to create a style that would empower women of all ages. Our timeless cotton knit jumper with a classic crew neck comes in a bold teal green shade with a traditional green and purple suffragette sash sat around the neckline, in an embroidered technique. Buy your Emmeline Jumper here