Erection date: 6/3/1930
{On the front of the plinth:}
Emmeline Pankhurst, 1858 - 1928
{On the back right of the base:}
A. B. Burton Founder
{On the left side of the base:}
Walker, A.R.A. 1930
{On plaque in ground at front:}
This statue of Emmeline Pankhurst was erected as a tribute to her courageous leadership of the movement for the enfranchisement of women.
Walker sculpted the statue, Baker designed the plinth. Unveiled by Baldwin.
August 2018: There is talk of this statue being moved, possibly to Regent's Park.
September 2018: The widespread anger at the proposal led to it being withdrawn.
Site: Emmeline Pankhurst statue (3 memorials)
SW1, Abingdon Street, Victoria Tower Gardens
The statue of Emmeline was unveiled in 1930, further south in Victoria Tower Gardens, without the low flanking wall. Peace has a photo of it there. The statue was moved here in 1958 and then in 1959 it was enhanced with the addition of the flanking wall with the medallions at each end, jointly known as the Dame Christabel Pankhurst Memorial. The move probably followed Christabel's death in 1958 and was in preparation for the additions.
The WSPU badge medallion is to the left and Christabel's portrait medallion to the right.
The unveiling by Baldwin is shown in this British Pathe news film, found for us by Jamie Davis. The woman conducting the Metropolitan Police band is Ethel Smyth.
