Northampton Branch of the Social Democratic Federation Banner

The banner had been carried in procession during May Day celebrations and other events since the turn of the 19th century. The May Day processions always began and ended on the Market Square, after parading around the town where they attracted thousands of people. In May 1898, the ‘Northampton Socialist’ reported “the beautiful socialist banner being carried in front.”  Similarly, in May 1904, the paper recorded “in front was borne the beautiful banner of the branch.” Northampton SDF were proud of their banner. The Northampton SDF banner is now held in The People’s History Museum in Manchester. Photographic copies of the front and back of the 130 years old banner, measuring 1.5m x 1m can be seen on the first floor of 97 Charles Street.

The SDF had several names during its existence, and in 1914 the Northampton branch became part of the newly formed Northampton Labour Party. Several former members were still active in 1931 when the Labour Party acquired 97 Charles Street. At some point, perhaps when these members had died, or ceased to be involved, the banner was stored away in 97 Charles Street’s attic, waiting to be discovered in 1984.

Front - Woman in Grecian robes upon a plinth of rocks marked Justice, Equality and Fraternity, holding a shield of Freedom and with arm outstretched to "Socialism the hope of workers". Below the woman "Make good thy standing place and move the world". Beneath this picture is a shield bearing the SDF monogram and the title "Northampton Branch". Above the picture in a small panel are the scales and "Justice not Charity". Surmounting this is the main title scroll in gold lettering upon blue. Vignettes in the upper corners show hands clasped around a hammer (left) and the cap of freedom wreathed by laurel branches (right). Painted silver brackets and tassels fall to either side of the main painted panel.

Back - Man in Grecian robes and laurel wreath, blind-folded, with scales in left hand and sword in right hand. Behind this figure and twined around the sword are laurel branches. On a band at his feet "Let justice be done though the heavens fall". On the main scroll in gold upon blue-green "Labour the source of all wealth". In the vignettes "Our cry is the cry of ages" left and "Our hope is the hope of the world" right. Silver outlining and mantling as face.

George Tutill manufactured a substantial proportion of Trade Union and other banners and also created a banner for the Northampton Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives’ (NUBSO) No.1 and No.2 Branches. The NUBSO banner is now kept in the Northampton Museum.