• Page 61 →Two Irishwomen. Left: Constance Markievicz (1868-1927). Born to wealth and privilege, developed a strong class consciousness in childhood. Deplored Ireland’s poverty and ruling class oppression. Born Constance Gore-Booth, she married a Polish nobleman who moved to Ireland. Noted labor reformer. In 1913, she operated the famous Liberty Hall Canteen for striking workers. A leader in the 1916 Easter Rebellion, she was arrested and tried for treason. Sentenced to be shot, then commuted to life imprisonment. Jailed on several other occasions. She was the first woman to be elected to the British House of Commons but refused her seat while Ireland remained under English rule. Right: Maud Gonne, (1866-1953). Irish Revolutionary. Born into wealth and social position. Devoted her energy and personal fortune to the cause of Irish home rule. Rebuilt homes of evicted farmers herself. Fought for labor reform. Activist, lecturer, writer, polemicist. Jailed twice. Became founding president, Easter Sunday 1900, of Daughters of Erin, revolutionary patriotic and feminist group. Her beauty and 6-ft. stature were acclaimed even in old age.
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Two Irish Women, Constance Markievicz and Maud Gonne postcard

From Women Making History: The Revolutionary Feminist Postcard Art of Helaine Victoria Press by Julia M. Allen and Jocelyn H. Cohen

  • Jumbo 5 ½” x 7¼” postcard. Printed offset in purple at California Institute of the Arts on the Rotaprint offset press. Second printing in blue in 1975 at Cal Arts. Four additional offset printings over the years.
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  • HISTORY / Women
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