Tatty Devine X Centenary Action: The Story

As we honour the 97th anniversary of the Royal Assent of Equal Suffrage on 2nd July 2025, we are uniting for change with Centenary Action to create an empowering jewellery collection for fellow activists. 

Celebrating the launch in our bustling Covent Garden store with Suffragettes to feminists, we were joined by Helen Pankhurst CBE, granddaughter to Sylvia Pankhurst. In conversation with Co-founder, Rosie Wolfenden MBE, the pair discussed the collection, how Sylvia’s creativity and drive contributed to the Suffragette movement, the importance of jewellery to the cause and the role retail had in the movement. 

When asked how the Suffragettes kept their spirits up and indeed how we today can keep positive amidst so much turmoil today, Helen Pankhurst replied:

“Fun and Friendship, that’s what kept the Suffragettes going through the darkest of times. 

Members of the Olympic Suffragettes, who convened after being chosen to perform in Danny Boyle's 2012 opening ceremony for the Olympics. They have since joined the campaign.

“For the Suffragettes fighting for women’s right to vote, jewellery was more than decoration — it was a statement of identity and feminist defiance. The beautiful Tatty Devine collection, inspired by Sylvia Pankhurst’s designs, carries that spirit forward." 

Jewellery was used then for fundraising, just as it continues to do so today. Centenary Action is a UK charity, hosted by CARE International UK, and is striving to achieve a gender-equal Parliament by 2028. With women now making up 40% of MPs, we’re closer than ever to achieving this goal. 10% of sales from this collection will go towards their work, whilst wearing the jewellery will help spread the word and gain momentum for the campaign. Equality is needed now more than ever.

Tatty Devine Co-founders, Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine, with Helen Pankhurst CBE  

Helen Pankhurst explained how retailers Liberty, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason played a big part in the Suffragette movement. In 1910, Selfridges famously provided window space to Sylvia to display her artwork; the store was a safe and accessible space for suffragettes and their supporters to meet and regroup. Women would buy ribbons, handkerchiefs and other items in the now iconic suffragette colours of purple, white and green as a statement of their identity and to galvanise and encourage other women. 

Fortnum & Mason were the source of much-prized hampers bought for Suffragettes to regain their health after they’d been imprisoned and force-fed at Holloway for smashing windows – including that of that very same store! Unlike Fortnum & Mason, Liberty was a cultural ally. Suffragettes often met in the tearoom for some dignity and solidarity and refrained from smashing the windows there. 

“True progress can only be achieved when all people have equal opportunities, regardless of their gender.” - Sylvia Pankhurst 

Discover the full protest collection online and in our Covent Garden store now, or delve into the story behind each piece here.

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