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An exceptionally rare Edwardian silver "Suffragette" vesta case will be going on sale at The 58th Annual Buxton Decorative, Antiques & Art Fair, 10th – 12th May 2024.

Made by William Neale in Chester in 1908, the case is engraved with the words "HURRAH, FOR, WOMAN, SUFFERAGE'. With a full set of hallmarks, it is in excellent condition and described not only as an incredibly rare piece of Suffragette memorabilia but a highly collectable vesta by its owner, Buxton Fair exhibitor and silver specialist, Mike Wilson from Highland Antiques from Yorkshire.

‘Suffragette collectables are always sought after,’ explains Mike. ‘They remind us of a very different period of our history when, after more than fifty years of campaigning, the Suffragette Movement brought about a major change in the constitution. Women aged 30 and over were given the vote in 1918, legislation which was later amended to age 21 in 1928’ *

Highland Antiques join more than forty specialist dealers exhibiting at the UK’s longest running art and antiques fair, an event that takes place annually at the Octagon, Buxton Pavilion Gardens, Derbyshire. With prices range from £25 to more than £25,000, there is something for every collector and home decorator.

Additional highlights are likely to include original signed and hand-coloured etchings by Salvador Dali, ‘Le Judgement de Paris’ from his Mythologie Suite depicting the classical story of the Judgement of Paris. The etching is signed in pencil and inscribed 'E.A.', an artist's proof for an edition of 150. Printed on Rives paper by Ateliers Rigal, it was published by Mourlot, Paris in 1971. It will be
offered by Hispanic, specialists in Spanish and European works of art.

Among the many exhibits on sale will be eye-catching displays from Skyesplace, specialising in garden furniture, statuary and architectural pieces; and John Briggs showing Persian and Oriental rugs and carpets. Solo Antiques return with fabulous Art Nouveau and Art Deco glass and bronze sculpture.

The fair is well known for its superb collection of fine art. Returning this year will be Haynes Fine Art from the Cotswolds; Jo Bennett Fine Paintings with 20th and 21st century modern art, and Rowles Fine Art specialising in Modern British and contemporary oil paintings and animal sculpture.

Jewellery specialists include Plaza, Scarab, T.Robert and Shapiro & Co. French and European 19th and 20th century sculpture feature from Garret & Hurst, Chester’s Farm Gallery promise a selection of rare and unusual ceramics, glass and pictures, and Glass of All Ages present a colourful display of 20th century and contemporary studio glass.

Among the newcomers for 2024 will be Kore Purchase, Lorfords Hangars dealer in decorative antiques with a contemporary flavour, Rastall Fine Art with oils and watercolours, and Dales Antiques with early country furniture.

In October 1903 one campaigner, Emmeline Pankhurst founded The Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). Their motto was ‘Deeds not Words.’ WSPU numbers swelled. In 1905 their protests became violent. They committed acts of arson and vandalism. When imprisoned, their members went on hunger strikes. One, Emily Davison, died after jumping out of the crowd in front of King George V’s racehorse during the running of the Epsom Derby in June 1913. The WSPU suspended suffragist activities in 1914, and its members joined the war effort. In 1917 they changed their name into The Women’s Party and finally. British women aged 30 and over were given the vote in 1918, reduced to age 21 in 1928.

Admission to the fair is £7.00 or £5.00 pre-purchased visit Cooper Events.

Friday & Saturday: 11am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm

For more information and full exhibitor list, visit Cooper Events.