Women’s Co-Operative Guild (WCG) enamel badge (1920’s / 1930’s)
The Women’s Co-Operative Guild (WCG) was an auxiliary movement within the Co-Operative Wholesale Society (CWS). Founded in 1883 the WCG immediately undertook to promoted and advocated for women’s social issues. It also provided educational social activities for its members and as such rapidly developed a wide support base. WCG campaigns included maternity benefit, fairer wages, divorce reforms, peace movements as well involvement in politics. The Guild’s activities and membership reached a peak during the 1930’s with over 72,000 members in 1,513 branches throughout the British Isles. The Scottish Women’s Co-Operative Guild was established in 1892 and the first Irish branch in 1906.
The guild is still active today as the Co-Operative Women’s Guild but does not hold the same prominence as it used to. The WCG changed to their current name in 1963.
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References:
www.coopwomensguild.co.uk/ (Co-Operative Women’s Guild website).
www.hull.ac.uk/arc/downloads/DCWcatalogue.pdf (Hull University Archives - includes a detailed early history of the CWG including their numerous campaigns and achievements). Also at archiveshub.ac.uk/features/hullhistory-womenscooperativeg...
ourhistory-hayes.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%27s%20Co...
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Enamels: 1 (blue).
Finish: Gilt.
Material: Brass.
Fixer: Pin.
Size: 1” in diameter (about 25mm)
Process: Die stamped.
Maker: No maker’s name or mark just the lettering CWS (Co-Operative Wholesale Society).
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Thank you for reading.
Stuart.
Women’s Co-Operative Guild (WCG) enamel badge (1920’s / 1930’s)
The Women’s Co-Operative Guild (WCG) was an auxiliary movement within the Co-Operative Wholesale Society (CWS). Founded in 1883 the WCG immediately undertook to promoted and advocated for women’s social issues. It also provided educational social activities for its members and as such rapidly developed a wide support base. WCG campaigns included maternity benefit, fairer wages, divorce reforms, peace movements as well involvement in politics. The Guild’s activities and membership reached a peak during the 1930’s with over 72,000 members in 1,513 branches throughout the British Isles. The Scottish Women’s Co-Operative Guild was established in 1892 and the first Irish branch in 1906.
The guild is still active today as the Co-Operative Women’s Guild but does not hold the same prominence as it used to. The WCG changed to their current name in 1963.
.
References:
www.coopwomensguild.co.uk/ (Co-Operative Women’s Guild website).
www.hull.ac.uk/arc/downloads/DCWcatalogue.pdf (Hull University Archives - includes a detailed early history of the CWG including their numerous campaigns and achievements). Also at archiveshub.ac.uk/features/hullhistory-womenscooperativeg...
ourhistory-hayes.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%27s%20Co...
.
Enamels: 1 (blue).
Finish: Gilt.
Material: Brass.
Fixer: Pin.
Size: 1” in diameter (about 25mm)
Process: Die stamped.
Maker: No maker’s name or mark just the lettering CWS (Co-Operative Wholesale Society).
.
Thank you for reading.
Stuart.