Advantages / Disadvantages

Both suffragist and anti-suffragist posters are showcased in this grouping, which provides both the imagined advantages and disadvantages in regards to voting in the early 20th century. The creators used ordinary people instead of historical figures to allow the viewers to empathize with or relate to the messages on a more personal level. A common theme seen in these posters involves the use of stereotypes based on gender, disability, and even alcoholism. This use of stereotypes starkly remarks on who deserved the right to vote and who was fit for it, while encouraging the public to believe that to be true.

Many of these posters are derived from the United Kingdom’s suffrage movement, which presented their visual art in an orderly and methodical manner. The Suffrage Atelier was a society formed in 1909 which assisted in the advancement of women’s enfranchisement by encouraging artists to support the movement through illustrated publications. The group aided many militant societies such as the Women’s Freedom League by providing campaign designs for suffragist posters. A couple of examples include: “What a Women May be” and “Waiting for a Living Wage.” Most of their work transitioned into postcards which spread around the country. Both professional and amateur artists were paid a percentage of the sales profits, enabling them to enter the professional arts world.

Anti-suffragist posters in contrast depicted suffragists in degrading ways, such as portraying them as ugly and unfeminine, and aimed to show that women did not deserve the right to vote.