Life-Size Lego Suffragette to Go on Display at University of Worcester
Thursday, 07 November 2019
A life-size model of a suffragette, built from over 35,000 pieces of Lego, will be on display at the University of Worcester for a month from next week.
‘Hope’, as she is known, was built for UK Parliament in 2018 to mark 100 years since the first women won the right to vote in Britain.
Since then she’s been on loan from the House of Commons on a tour of the Country. She will arrive at the University of Worcester on Tuesday, November 12th in her first visit to the West Midlands.
Professor Sarah Greer, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost of the University of Worcester, said: “We are so thrilled to be hosting ‘Hope’, the Lego suffragette. She is a reminder of how the bravery of the suffragettes created change that people didn’t think at the time was possible – change which continues to benefit and empower women 100 years on. She is a real symbol of equality and democracy, both of which are core values of the University of Worcester.
“We hope that her presence on campus will encourage discussion around these themes between our students and staff and that it will ensure that the courage of the suffragettes is never forgotten.”
The University and Worcester Students’ Union worked together to put in a bid to host the model, which will be situated in the main reception at the St John’s Campus. Members of the community, schoolchildren and students are all invited to take the time to visit the model, have photos with her, and share messages about the importance of democracy. The model will be on display until December 11th, the day before the General Election.
Megan Price, Vice President Education at the Students’ Union, said: “It’s an honour to have such a great symbol of democracy and the importance of voting on Campus, at such a crucial time politically. We hope people will come along and be inspired to get engaged with the issues of the day, and for all those who can, to make sure they’re registered to vote and go on to use their voice when the time comes.”
The Lego model arrives just days after the University celebrates its first graduating students in Law, 100 years after the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 which paved the way for women to become lawyers for the first time.
Law graduate Harriet Williams said: “I am so proud to be graduating as a law student 100 years after women were given the first opportunity to enter the legal profession. The Lego Suffragette represents the strength and power of women and shows an important moment in history. Without their sacrifice I would not have had the opportunities I have today.”
The model’s arrival also coincides with the University’s annual Women’s History Conference, which takes place at the St John’s Campus on Saturday, November 9th from 10.30am-4pm and features speakers from across the UK and beyond.