A Dame’s Brooch from the 1920s Joins Prestigious Primrose League Collection
Badge of the week: I acquired this unique piece for my Primrose League collection at an auction, and it has since become a treasured part of it.
The badge is a Dame’s brooch, dating from around the 1920s, produced by W.O. Lewis (Badges) Ltd of Birmingham. These brooches were worn by women who were members of the Primrose League, offering a way for them to engage in political activities during a time when their participation was severely limited due to widespread exclusion from direct political involvement.
The Primrose League, established in the late 19th century in the United Kingdom, was renowned for its motto ‘Imperium et Libertas,’ translating as ‘Empire and Liberty.’ It played a distinctive role in British politics and was named after the primrose, believed to be the favorite flower of Benjamin Disraeli, a notable politician and statesman.
