Ethel Moorhead

Photo of Ethel Moorhead

Ethel Moorhead (28 August 1869 – 4 March 1955) was a prominent suffragette and artist known for her militant activities in the United Kingdom and Ireland. She was one of the leading figures in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and played a significant role in the fight for women's suffrage.

Early Life

Ethel Moorhead was born in Manchester, England, to a well-off family. Her father was a doctor, and her mother was involved in various social causes. Ethel received a good education and developed an early interest in the arts and social justice.

Suffragette Activities

Moorhead joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the early 1900s. She quickly became known for her militant tactics, which included window-smashing, arson, and other forms of civil disobedience. Her actions often led to her arrest and imprisonment.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strikes

Ethel Moorhead was imprisoned multiple times for her suffragette activities. During her incarcerations, she participated in hunger strikes, a common tactic used by suffragettes to protest their imprisonment and demand better conditions. She was one of the first women to be force-fed, a practice that was widely condemned for its brutality.

Artistic Career

In addition to her suffragette activities, Moorhead was also an accomplished artist. She studied art in Paris and exhibited her work in various galleries across Europe. Her art often reflected her political beliefs and her commitment to social justice.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Representation of the People Act 1918 granted limited suffrage to women, Moorhead continued to be active in social causes. She moved to Dublin, Ireland, where she remained involved in the arts and various political movements until her death in 1955.

Ethel Moorhead's contributions to the suffragette movement and her artistic achievements have left a lasting legacy. She is remembered as a pioneering figure in the fight for women's rights and an influential artist.

See Also

• Women's Social and Political Union
• Suffragette
• Hunger strike
• Force-feeding
• Representation of the People Act 1918